Expert: Greg Simpson - 10/14/2004

Question
I have an Aloe Vera plant that was healthy when it was given to me.

It has begun to fade in colour and some of the leaves are going brown and shrivelling up.

I've given it plenty of water, so I don't think it's that.

It currently sits behind a plate glass window that gets a lot of sun in a spot that get's quite hot - could that be the problem?

What sort of environmental factors does Aloe Vera normally prefer?

Thanks in advance.

Sean

Answer
Dear Sean,

You have named a number of factors that are contributing to your plants demise, and they are: "I've given it plenty of water, gets a lot of sun in a spot that get's quite hot".

Generally a plant needs to acclimate to a new enviroment. But remember that an Aloe is a succulent and doesn't need a lot of water. Once every couple of weeks in summer if outside to once a month.

It also sounds like your plant may have been sun burned. They can take full sun, but only if allowed to acclimate slowly. Check out this website for additional info.
http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Asphodelaceae/Aloe_vera.html

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg