Aloe vera plants require less moisture and love lots of sunlight. These plants originate in the warm desert. Like other succulent family plants, Aloe Vera grows perfectly in an arid environment type potting mix. Basically, this plant needs sandy soil with good drainage. If you fail to fulfill any of these requirements the plant growth will reduce and may cause several issues. There can be several reasons for Aloe vera leaves falling or dropping and bending. This is a common issue for many persons. Let us identify them one by one.
This plant is a succulent plant family. This family has over 550 species. Aloe and its relative succulent family plants store water in different structures in the plants. Such as stems, roots, or even in leaves. Aloe stores water in its leaves that is what we can see as a thick gel. This plant grows well in tropical environments countries and regions.
Lack of bright sunlight cause may an issue for this houseplant. It requires very few waters per week. Nevertheless, it varies according to your climate condition. Aloe is a popular houseplant. Because it is easy to care for and needs a minimum of maintenance and the most important thing is its herbal value. Also, it can use as a decorative plant.
Why Aloe vera leaves falling down?
Low sunlight.
This is the most common issue for aloe vera leaves drooping. First, you have to ensure that this plant receives enough daylight, especially sunlight throughout the day. It loves over 3-4 hours direct sunlight, the rest of the time better to keep it in a partial shade place. However, it requires a bright light area, then a darker place. If you are living in the northern hemisphere, this is a very difficult thing. In the winter season, you can provide artificial lighting.
If you are living in a condominium/apartment, move this plant to a balcony. In cooler regions move this plant to a veranda. It will improve the plants’ lighting requirement.
Less drainage Potting Mix Issue.
Aloe grows well in sandy soil potting mix. If the potting mix, not well-drained and too much moisture inti then the aloe vera plant leaves bending. This plant can also use the succulent plant potting mix which I posted earlier.
The best potting mix for aloe Vera is 50% of washed sands (not the beach sand), 20% of garden soil, and 25% of the compost mix, and 5% of charcoal or perlite. Perlite and charcoal will absorb excess moisture and improve the aeration of the soil. In a rainy season or indoor pots, that moisture absorbs material highly beneficial. Moreover, charcoal has the ability to prevent roots rot issues. Using this organic material more beneficial than perlite. Adding small pebbles or rock chips enhance the aeration and make the soil loose. It gives extra benefit to this houseplant.
Never use cocopeat. It will enhance soil moisture. Too much-wet soil will rot the root system and your Aloe vera plant turn to yellow color. Eventually, your loving plant will die.
Watering Issue.
Make sure that your plant receives enough water at right time. Aloe does not like too much or too low water. When the surface soil dried and 2 or 3 inches deeper soil also less moist, you can start watering. You can use a chopstick base watering method to test the soil dryness. If you have the correct potting mix, then you can easily check the soil dryness. In the winter season, this houseplant needs to water one or two times per month.
If the leaves are crispy and/or brown tips then it is an under watering issue. Add more water than before. In this situation, Aloe Vera leaves bending over.
The best time to water, Aloe Vera in summer is morning or early morning. Evening watering can cause root rot issues. If the night is too colder, never water in the evening. Because keeping too much moisture in the root bowl can easily rot them. It is not a practice.
Low Temperature.
Aloe plants require 50 to 85 F ( 10C to 25C) temperatures for optimal growth. Aloe vera can easily grow in USDA hardiness zones: 9 – 11. In the winter season, move this houseplant indoors, and in summer move it to a bright sunlight outdoor area. Low temperature is another reason for Aloe Vera leaves falling over.
To protect the Aloe in low temperature in the winter season move this plant over 40 ° f (4 ° c) temperature area. Moving aloe plants to a greenhouse are the best solution to keep plants alive in the long winter season. The main drawback is its cost. You can use artificial LED lights at the top of the plant is the cheapest method.
