Why does aloe vera turn red?
As a common succulent plant at home, the redness of aloe vera leaves troubles many growers. This seemingly abnormal color change actually hides the survival code of the plant. By systematically analyzing key elements such as moisture and light during the maintenance process, we can decode the underlying reasons for the redness of aloe vera leaves and take targeted improvement measures. 1. Imbalance of water management leads to leaf discoloration 1.1 Drought stress triggers early warning. Under the high temperature environment in summer (average daily temperature>30℃), the waxy layer on the surface layer of aloe vera leaves accelerates evaporation. When the soil moisture content is lower than 15%, the plant initiates self-protection mechanism. At this time, the concentration of anthocyanins in leaf cells increases, forming red patches visible to the naked eye. Regular monitoring through soil moisture detectors and maintaining the substrate moisture content within the range of 20-25%, can effectively prevent such phenomena. 1.2 Chain reaction of accumulated water and rotten roots. Continuous rainy days or excessive watering (single>500ml/plant) will cause root respiration to be blocked. Data shows that standing water for more than 72 hours will cause more than 50% of capillary roots to rot. The infected plant sends a distress signal through the color change of its leaves. At this time, the pot needs to be replaced immediately. After pruning the rotten roots, it is soaked and disinfected with 800 times carbendazim solution. 2. Effect of improper light regulation 2.1 Ultraviolet burn mechanism When the light intensity continues to be greater than 50000 lux (equivalent to direct light at noon), aloe vera epidermal cells will produce a photoprotective reaction. Changes in chloroplast structure increase carotenoid synthesis, and this physiological change can cause leaves to gradually turn red within 3-5 days. It is recommended to use sunshade nets (shading rate 30%) for light adjustment to maintain the appropriate range of 25,000 - 40,000 lux. 2.2 Experiments on photoperiod disorder have shown that continuous light for more than 14 hours a day will disrupt the photosynthetic rhythm of aloe vera. Intelligent fill light is used to control the daily light duration to 10-12 hours. In conjunction with the environment where the temperature difference between day and night is 8-10℃, the leaves can be maintained in a green state. 3. Systematic maintenance plan establishes a periodic maintenance log to record key data such as watering time, light duration, and new leaf growth speed. It is recommended to apply phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer (N-P-K=5-10-10) once a month, in conjunction with pot changes in spring and autumn (substrate ratio: river sand: humus soil: perlite =4:3:3). When red leaves are found, intervention is carried out according to the three-step treatment method of "detecting environmental parameters → eliminating extreme factors → gradual adjustment."
By scientifically interpreting the physiological signals of aloe vera, growers can not only solve the problem of reddening leaves, but also establish a positive interaction mechanism between plants and the environment. Regular observation, data management and moderate intervention are key elements to maintain the healthy growth of aloe vera.