Category Archives: Aloe Leaves

Why did my aloe plant cut leaves turn red?

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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!

What should I do about my aloe vera’s leaves browning?

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Question by shadowslayer613: What should I do about my aloe vera’s leaves browning?
I just got a few young aloe vera plants from my grandmother for christmas and one of them has some brown spots forming on the leaves. I water it every few days or so depending on how dry the soil is, and it gets sun in the evening and sits across the room from the window, enough to get some sun. Is there anything else I should be doing or is this normal for an aloe?

Best answer:

Answer by Joe Coolguy
Many plants tend to go into a form of shock when moved. Browning or dying of leaves usually occurs, but the whole plant usually ends up living if it is well taken care of.

It sounds like you are taking very good care of it, and I would expect it to recover soon. But one extra thing you can do to help the plant get used to the new surroundings faster is to do a little trimming. Cut off the leaves that are browning, and any others that look unnecessary for the plant to live. Doing this gives the plant fewer members to heal. Now it can focus its own healing capacity to what leaves remain, and it will recover faster.

Good luck!
-Joe

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