With the arrival of winter, many plant enthusiasts find that their aloe leaves start to turn red, which raises the question: Why do aloe leaves turn red? And how should we deal with this situation? This article will answer these questions for you.
Reasons for Aloe Leaves Turning Red1. Insufficient lighting
Aloe is a sun-loving plant. If it is kept in a dark environment for a long time, the leaves will gradually turn red. This is because aloe changes its leaf color to absorb more sunlight in order to adapt to the environment.
2. Low temperature
The optimal growth temperature for aloe is between 20°C and 35°C. If the temperature is too low, the metabolism of aloe will be affected, and the leaves may also turn red.
3. Insufficient water
Although aloe is drought-resistant, prolonged lack of water can also cause the leaves to turn red. This is because there is not enough water in the aloe to maintain normal physiological activities.
4. Improper fertilization
Excessive fertilization or unbalanced fertilization can also cause aloe leaves to turn red. This is because too much fertilizer can disrupt the soil's pH balance, affecting the normal growth of aloe.
Solutions1. Increase lighting
Move the aloe to a place with sufficient lighting, ensuring at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. If there is insufficient indoor lighting, you can use a plant growth light to supplement the lighting.
2. Raise the temperature
In winter, you can place the aloe in a warm indoor area to avoid low temperatures. If the indoor temperature is low, you can use heating or air conditioning to raise the temperature.
3. Maintain proper moisture
In winter, aloe's water requirement decreases, but it is still necessary to keep the soil slightly moist. Generally, watering 1-2 times a week is sufficient, and care should be taken to avoid watering on the leaves or buds when watering.
4. Fertilize appropriately
During the growing season, you can fertilize every 20 days or so, paying attention to the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium when fertilizing to avoid over-fertilization.
Aloe leaves turning red in winter is a common phenomenon. Understanding the reasons and taking appropriate measures can ensure the healthy growth of aloe. I hope this article is helpful to you.