What Causes Aloe Vera Leaves to Turn Yellow
As a common variety of household green plants, aloe vera is deeply loved for its unique shape and air purification function. However, the problem of leaves turning yellow during maintenance has been troubling many growers, which is often closely related to improper operations in daily management.
Maintenance Misconceptions Leading to Yellow Leaves
Imbalance in Water Management
Although aloe vera has drought resistance, extreme environments can trigger stress responses. When the air humidity is below 40%, the cuticle on the leaf surface will evaporate faster, resulting in the tips of the leaves drying and turning yellow. This can be addressed by using a spray humidification method and maintaining a humidity environment of 50-65% with a humidifier. Overwatering (more than twice a week) can cause the soil pores to be occupied by water, leading to root hypoxia and the production of harmful substances such as ethanol.
Root Health Damaged
Continuous waterlogging for more than 72 hours can cause root rot, initially表现为 the base leaves becoming soft and turning yellow. It is necessary to immediately remove the plant from the pot, trim the discolored roots with a sterilized scissor, and retain the healthy white rootlets. When repotting, use sandy loam soil with 30% perlite and ensure the drainage layer is 1/5 of the height of the pot.
Malnutrition Supply Imbalance
During the growing season (April-September), a slow-release fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be supplemented every 45 days, with a recommended N-P-K ratio of 3-1-2. Fertilization should be stopped during the winter dormancy period to avoid salt accumulation burning the roots. Foliar application of a chelated iron solution diluted 2000 times can be sprayed every quarter to prevent iron deficiency chlorosis.
Key Points for Scientific Maintenance
Environmental Control Plan
Maintain 6 hours of scattered light daily, avoiding direct sunlight at noon. Keep the temperature between 15-28°C, and move the plant indoors when the temperature is below 10°C in winter. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure and prevent one-sided yellowing.
Intelligent Watering Judgment
Use the bamboo stake method: insert a 30cm bamboo stake 2/3 into the potting soil and observe the moisture mark when pulled out. Water when the top 3cm of soil is completely dry, and the bamboo stake is slightly damp at the bottom. Water in the early morning during summer and at noon during winter.
Disease Prevention Measures
Monthly application of garlic extract (1:20 ratio) sprayed on the leaves can effectively prevent pests such as red spiders. When symptoms of leaf spot disease are detected, promptly remove the affected leaves and treat with a fungicide solution of carbendazim 800 times concentration.
By establishing a scientific maintenance system, combined with regular observation and precise intervention, not only can the existing yellow leaf problem be solved, but the plant's resistance can also be fundamentally improved. It is recommended to keep a maintenance log, recording changes in temperature and humidity, watering cycles, and plant responses, to gradually form a personalized maintenance plan.