by magnuscanis

Question by scratch: Why did my aloe plant cut leaves turn red?
I cut a leave on my aloe plant today. I wrapped it up in plastic wrap and left it out on the counter top when I did an errand. When I returned though the pulp/juice/gel surrounding the cut end of the plant was a red (blood red). Anyone, know why? I was it a good thing and is my plant okay?

Best answer:

Answer by aseachangea
I am not certain why, from the information you give us. It is probably not a bad thing.

Cuts on plants expose the innards parts of the plants to lots of air, when they normally only get a small controlled amount. This is especially true with succulents, which are adapted to keep from drying out.

Oxygen is highly reactive. So it is likely exposure to it has caused the red color. Is the part of the living aloe that remains also bright red where you cut it? Also, some living aloes will turn reddish if they are exposed to too much cold so if your countertop is near a cold window that might affect it, and affect the damages tissue first.

As to whether your plant itself is OK, that depends on why you made the cut. It should be okay now, if it was before.

What do you think? Answer below!