5 Reasons Why Aloe Plant Turning Into Different Colors

Aloe vera, a versatile medicinal plant, is popularly grown at home due to its numerous benefits. But challenges may arise during cultivation like turning into different colors.

So, why are aloe plant turning into different colors? 

Color changes in aloe plants can occur due to various factors such as fungal diseases, and bacterial infestations. Then, improper watering, insufficient light, unsuitable temperatures, nutrient deficiencies, and phosphorus deficiency.

Only knowing the reasons won’t be helpful for you. So read the whole article to know the actual remedies to address the issue successfully. 

Aloe Plants Color Change: Reasons & Remedies

In healthy Aloe plants, the thick leaves typically exhibit a dark green to nearly blue color. Certain varieties may display a vibrant lime-green hue when in good health. However, sometimes you may notice that the aloe color is turning yellow, brown, purple, orange, pink, and others.     

In this section, we will get to know the reasons and remedies for happening those. Before going to discuss them in a vast manner, let’s have a glimpse of the reasons and remedies. 

Reason	Remedy
Overwatering/Underwatering	Water once every two weeks in cold weather  Water once every week in hot weather
Low fertilizer/Overfertilization	Once a year in the garden Once every month for the potted plant
Improper lighting	6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight
Sudden changes in temperature	Gradually change the weather
Fungal infection	Maintain low temperature and low humidity

Reason 1: Overwatering/Underwatering 

Overwatering an aloe plant manifests as yellow or brown leaves with a soft, mushy texture and a drooping appearance. The symptoms also include 

• Roots exhibit a brown, rotting appearance with a foul smell. 
• Saturated soil, thus developing root rot disease.

Indoor gardeners often make the mistake of overwatering. Overwatering can make your aloe leaves purple as well. It is also a major reason for your saga leaves curling.

On the other hand, Shallow watering or inadequate water supply can cause yellow and pink leaves as well. 

Remedy: 

Aloe plants generally require watering every two weeks. And you should water less frequently during winter when sunlight and heat are reduced. Watering once a week may be necessary in hot and humid climates.  

Always emphasize the importance of checking soil moisture levels before watering to prevent color change issues.

For mature plants with dense roots, soaking the plant for at least 10 minutes ensures thorough saturation. If the soil is dry or compacted, consider providing a deeper watering to address yellow, pink, or brown leaves.

Reason 2: Overfertilization/Low Fertilizer

Over-fertilizing can cause the aloe plant leaves to turn gray, pink, or purple. The symptoms include 

• Root damage
• Slow decay

On the other, poor fertilizing can lead to your aloe being yellow, or brown. A deficiency of phosphorus can also cause the leaves of Aloe vera to turn purple. But a purple-leafed aloe vera does not necessarily mean the soil does not contain phosphorus. 

Phosphorus deficiency is also a reason for blueberry leaves turning purple. Remember that various factors, including soil pH and low temperatures, can make phosphorus unavailable to plants. 

Remedy:

It is recommended to use liquid fertilizers specially formulated 10-40-10 houseplant mixes for best results. A single drenching with fertilizer in spring should be sufficient for aloe plants in the garden. 

However, aloe plants in pots may need monthly applications. The best fertilizer to use is a low-concentration fertilizer with 2% nitrogen. Also, less nitrogen can be applied only during the growing season. 

As a matter of fact, Aloe vera plants thrive with a fertilizer that has an NPK value of 10-40-10. Fertilizing every six to twelve months is typically adequate. To prepare homemade fertilizer, use about ¼ cup to ½ cup of fresh aloe vera per gallon of water.

It’s important to follow recommended fertilizing guidelines to avoid stressing the plant and causing discoloration.

Reason 3: Improper Lighting

Aloe plants can exhibit brown, red, or gray discoloration if they are exposed to excessive light. Symptoms include

• Color changes uniformly throughout the leaf or as spots on the surface. 
• Aloe varieties can suffer from leaf burn and curling from direct and too much sunlight exposure.

Alternatively, too little light can result in yellowing or browning of foliage and slow growth. Thus. Lack of sunlight is also culpable for your loropetalum losing leaves.

However, it typically takes a prolonged period of low light levels to turn the plant yellow. In general, even low light can sustain the Aloe’s survival without active growth. 

Remedy:

To ensure healthy aloe vera leaves, the plant should receive approximately 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. In winter, aloe vera plants thrive in well-lit areas with some direct sunlight.

Although they can tolerate full sunlight, excessive direct sunlight can cause discoloration. If you need to relocate the plant from a shady area to direct sunlight, you should gradually acclimate it. 

Reason 4: Sudden Changes in Weather 

Weather changes can also cause aloe leagues to turn brown, yellow, purple, or pink. If the leaves are not acclimated, they can become “sunburned” and turn brown, red, or gray.

Increased rain, lower nighttime temperatures, or exposure to different light levels, can lead to the yellowing of the leaves.  

Remedy:

To prevent this, it is recommended to gradually acclimate the plant over 7-10 days. Then you should gradually increase sunlight exposure every 2-3 days.

Start in complete shade and gradually move towards a bright, filtered location. This is the perfect way to bring change. 

Reason 5: Fungal Infection

Aloe Vera plants are susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. It includes 

• Aloe rust
• Anthracnose
• Basal stem rot
• Bacterial soft rot 

Cold temperatures and high humidity are ideal conditions for these diseases. Symptoms of these diseases include 

• Yellow spots
• Brown or tan circular spots 
• Rotting of the stem base
• Watery, and slimy leaves

Moreover, If your aloe plant is turning white, it may be due to a scale infestation. The scales on an aloe plant feed on its liquid, giving it a whitish appearance. There is a way to prevent this pest problem from getting worse.

Remedy: 

Keeping your aloe plant healthy requires maintaining warm temperatures and low humidity. To prevent bacterial soft rot, it is important to avoid overwatering your aloe plant.

Mix 1 tablespoon of insecticidal soap and 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol. Also, add 1 quart (945 ml) of water to combat white-scale infestations. 

Then, spray your aloe plant every three days with a mixture. If the infestation is still early, dab the affected areas with cotton swabs soaked in alcohol.

Tips for Better Care of Aloe Plants

You should follow some special gardening tips to prevent the discoloration of the aloe plant. 

• Proper lighting is crucial for the health of aloe plants, requiring 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Also, you should avoid excessive direct sunlight to prevent leaf damage.
• Always ensure proper watering of the plant. Make sure you know every nit and bit of how to grow aloe vera.
• Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to avoid waterlogged roots. And try to provide a larger pot for ample root growth and space. 
• Occasional application of a diluted succulent fertilizer once a month during the growing season can be beneficial.
• Aloe plants thrive in temperatures ranging from 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, they are sensitive to drafts. So, it’s important to avoid placing them in areas with frequent door or window openings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can Aloe Vera Expire?

Yes. Fresh and natural aloe vera gel has a shelf life of approximately one to two days.  at room temperature. However the shelf life is around one week when refrigerated, and up to one year when frozen.

Can You Use Aloe Vera After It Turns Pink?

Yes, you can use pink aloe vera. The use of aloe vera after it turns pink is not recommended for allergy sufferers. When the aloe vera turns pink, it may be no longer effective or safe to use. 

How Do You Know If Aloe Vera Gel Has Gone Bad?

If the gel emits an off-putting or rancid odor, it is likely spoiled. Aloe vera gel that has expired may become thick, clumpy, or have an unusual consistency. The gel may be spoiled if it has turned brown, or gray, or developed an abnormal color. 

Conclusion 

Now you know why your aloe plant turning into different colors. 

You must pay attention to watering practices, temperature changes, and the location of the browning. The process of elimination can help you determine the cause and provide appropriate care for your plants.