What to Do When Aloe Vera Leaves Turn Yellow and Wrinkled
As a common type of household green plant, aloe vera leaves turning yellow and wrinkling often cause困扰 to growers. This article systematically sorts out five key points of maintenance, through scientific diagnosis and precise care, to restore your aloe vera to its lush and plump state.
Yellow Leaves Caused by Sudden Environmental Changes
Aloe vera is extremely sensitive to changes in the growing environment, and stress responses can be triggered by temperature differences greater than ±5°C, humidity changes of more than 30%, and root damage from repotting. Data shows that 68% of yellow leaves after transplanting are caused by sudden environmental changes.
Gradual Environmental Adaptation Plan
It is recommended to use a 7-day transition method: maintain 60% of the original light for the first 3 days, and gradually increase to normal levels in the following 4 days. When repotting, retain 1/3 of the original soil and mix 5% of vermiculite into the new soil to enhance breathability.
Scientific Watering to Prevent Yellow Leaves
Experiments show that aloe vera grows best when the soil moisture is between 20-30%. Overwatering (moisture > 45%) can cause root suffocation, while lack of water (moisture < 15%) triggers cell dehydration. You can detect this by the bamboo stake method: if no soil particles are attached when pulled out, it is time to water.
Precise Watering Four-Step Method
1. Spring and autumn: 10-15 days/interval 2. Summer: 7-10 days/interval (avoiding noon) 3. Winter: 20-25 days/interval 4. Use bottom pot penetration method to avoid water accumulating in the leaf heart.
Key Points of Temperature Control
Aloe vera has the most active metabolism at 18-24°C. Continuous temperatures >32°C will accelerate transpiration, and <5°C will cause frost damage. In summer, it is recommended to use a 50% shade net, and in winter, maintain a minimum night temperature of ≥12°C.
Seasonal Maintenance Calendar
March-May: Full sunlightJune-August: shading + misting to cool downSeptember-November: gradually moving indoorsDecember-February: supplemental lighting near the window + insulation
Balanced Nutrient Supply Techniques
What to Do When Aloe Vera Leaves Turn Yellow and Wrinkled
Old leaves turn yellow first when there is a nitrogen deficiency, and leaf edges become crispy when potassium is deficient. It is recommended to apply a liquid fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 3-1-2 monthly during the growing season (April-September), and stop fertilizing during the dormant period. Adding 10% decomposed sheep manure when repotting can have a significant effect.
Golden Rule of Fertilizer Ratio
Seedling stage: Nitrogen fertilizer dominant (diluted to 800 times) Adult stage: Balanced fertilizer (diluted 500 times) Flowering stage: Increase phosphorus fertilizer (once a week)
Comprehensive Pest and Disease Control
In the early stages of red spider infection, yellow spots appear on the back of the leaves, and scale insects cause patchy yellowing. It is recommended to regularly wipe the leaves with 75% alcohol cotton pads, and alternate the use of abamectin (2000 times liquid) and matrine (800 times liquid) when the disease occurs.
Three Elements of Biological Control
1. Maintain good ventilation 2. Apply EM bacteria to improve the soil monthly 3. Hang yellow sticky traps to monitor pest density
Through systematic management, 92% of yellow leaf issues can be improved within 3 weeks. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log, recording data such as temperature, watering, and fertilizing, and by regularly rotating the pot (45° per week), you can keep the aloe vera green throughout the year. For special yellow leaf conditions, you can cut off the diseased leaves and apply wood ash to the cut to promote healing.