Aloe Vera — common problems

Find the symptom you're seeing for the likely cause and fix.

Mushy, brown leaves / yellowing

Likely cause: Excess moisture, often with cold; aloes won't grow in continuously wet compost.

Fix: Improve drainage; reduce watering (especially winter); keep warm above freezing.

Root rot

Likely cause: Continuously wet compost.

Fix: Use peat-free cactus compost with added sand or grit; let soil dry completely between waterings.

Leggy / stretched growth (etiolation)

Likely cause: Insufficient light; aloes dislike shade.

Fix: Place in full light with good ventilation.

Source: extension care guide. Symptoms often overlap — match the conditions (light, watering, humidity) to your situation.

Other houseplants

General care guidance from university extension sources — not a substitute for diagnosing your specific plant and conditions. How this works.