Aloe vera, as a common succulent plant, is favored for its unique ornamental value and medicinal value. However, many aloe enthusiasts often encounter the problem of brown aloe leaves during the maintenance process. This phenomenon not only affects the beauty of aloe vera, but also may have adverse effects on its growth and health. So why does aloe vera turn brown? In this paper, we will discuss the deep reason of aloe vera brown from the perspectives of light, water management, temperature, nutrition and pests and diseases.
1. Improper Lighting: The Main Culprit Of Aloe Vera Brown
Aloe vera likes a bright light environment, but prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, especially in the summer sun, can cause burns on the leaves, which can lead to brown spots. This is because aloe leaves contain a variety of pigments, the most important of which is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the green pigment responsible for absorbing energy from sunlight and using it for photosynthesis. However, when aloe vera is exposed to strong sunlight, the chlorophyll is destroyed, causing the leaves to lose their green color and take on a brownish-red hue.
On the contrary, if aloe vera is in a dark environment for a long time and lacks enough light, the leaves will gradually turn brown due to the inability to carry out normal photosynthesis. This is because the lack of light causes the aloe to be unable to photosynthesize sufficiently to make enough nutrients to sustain its growth. In the long run, the leaves of aloe vera will gradually turn brown due to lack of nutrients.
Therefore, in order to avoid the aloe vera due to improper light and brown, we need to provide a suitable light environment according to the growth habits of aloe vera. In high temperature in summer, it can be moved to semi-shade place for maintenance; In the cold winter, it can be placed indoors in a sunny place.
2. Improper Water Management: Another Important Factor Of Aloe Vera Brown
Aloe vera does not have a high water need, but over-watering or prolonged drought can cause adverse effects on the leaves. Overwatering can cause roots to rot without oxygen, which in turn affects the health of the leaves. This is because the aloe’s roots are fragile, and overwatering will cause too much water in the soil, causing the roots to be unable to breathe, leading to rot. The rotting roots cannot provide enough nutrients and water for the leaves, and the leaves will gradually turn brown due to lack of nutrients.
Long-term drought will make the leaves gradually wither and brown due to lack of water. Aloe vera is drought-tolerant, but not watering for a long time can cause the water in its leaves to be depleted, causing it to wilt. The withered leaves can no longer photosynthesize or provide nutrients to the plant, and eventually turn brown and fall off.
Therefore, we need to water reasonably and follow the principle of “see dry and see wet”. The number and amount of watering can be appropriately increased in the growing season; In the winter low temperature can be appropriate to reduce the number of watering and watering amount. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to the water drainage of the soil to ensure that the soil will not accumulate water.
3. Temperature Discomfort: Aloe Vera Brown Potential Threat
Aloe vera is suitable for growing in a warm environment, and too high or too low temperature will have adverse effects on it. High temperatures can cause the leaves to lose water too quickly, making the leaves dry and fragile, and then appear brown spots. This is because high temperature will accelerate the evaporation of water in the leaves, making the leaves lose water balance. The low temperature will make aloe vera enter a dormant state, and the leaves will gradually turn brown due to lack of nutrients. This is because cold temperatures reduce the aloe’s metabolic rate, making it unable to produce enough nutrients to sustain growth.
Therefore, we need to provide a stable growth environment for aloe vera to avoid the adverse effects of too high or too low temperature. Cooling measures can be taken in high temperature in summer, such as spray cooling, shading, etc. Warm measures can be taken in the cold winter, such as moving aloe vera indoors and covering with thermal insulation film.
4. Malnutrition: The Internal Causes Of Aloe Vera Brown
Long-term lack of nutrients will cause aloe vera to grow poorly, the leaves become thin and brittle, and then appear brown spots. The growth of aloe requires a variety of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, manganese and so on. These nutrients play a vital role in the growth of aloe vera. If there is a lack of these nutrients in the soil, aloe vera cannot carry out normal growth and metabolism, resulting in brown leaves.
Therefore, we need to regularly fertilize the aloe vera to supplement the nutrients it needs for growth. Thin liquid fertilizer can be applied every 15-20 days in the growing season; Fertilization can be stopped at low temperatures in winter. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to the fertility and pH of the soil to ensure that the soil can provide sufficient nutrients and suitable growth environment for aloe vera.
5. Pest Infestation: Aloe Vera Brown External Threat
Aloe vera may be attacked by various pests and diseases during its growth, such as aphids, red spiders, leaf spots and so on. These pests and diseases can damage leaf tissue, causing brown spots or an overall Browning of the leaves. Pests such as aphids and red spiders suck the juice from the leaves, leaving them dry and fragile. Leaf spot and other diseases will destroy the cell structure of the leaves, so that it loses its normal physiological function.
Therefore, we need to check the growth of aloe vera regularly and take timely measures to prevent and control diseases and pests. Insecticides or fungicides can be used to spray treatment; The resistance of aloe vera can also be enhanced by improving the maintenance environment, such as increasing ventilation and reducing humidity.
Conclusion
The Browning of aloe vera is a complex problem involving light, water management, temperature, nutrition, and pests and diseases. Only by understanding the reasons behind it and taking appropriate measures to prevent it, can aloe vera regain vitality and vitality. As plant lovers, we need to pay close attention to the growth of aloe vera, find and solve problems in time, and provide a suitable growth environment for aloe vera. At the same time, we also need to continue to learn and explore the maintenance knowledge of aloe vera, improve their own maintenance level, so that aloe vera thrives under our careful care.
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