Watering on aloe vera
What's Happening
Overwatering in Aloe vera is fundamentally about frequency, not volume. As a CAM photosynthesis succulent adapted to arid savanna conditions, Aloe stores water in thick rhizomatous roots and leaves for 4-6+ weeks. Watering every 7-10 days creates chronically moist soil that promotes anaerobic bacterial growth and root rot. 'False underwatering' symptoms (wrinkled leaves) often indicate root rot preventing water uptake, not actual drought.
How to Fix It
- 1
Check soil: Insert finger 3 inches deep—moist soil with symptoms indicates overwatering
- 2
Inspect roots: Unpot plant—healthy roots are white/firm; rotting roots are black/mushy
- 3
Behead if necessary: Cut above rotted section, remove lower leaves, allow 1-7 days to callous
- 4
Repot in dry mix: Use 50% perlite/pumice with cactus soil in pot with drainage holes
- 5
Resume watering: Treat as propagation; water sparingly only after 1-2 weeks when soil fully dry
How to Prevent It
Implement 'soak and dry' cycle: thorough saturation followed by complete soil dryness. Water only when top 2-3 inches are bone-dry using finger test or moisture meter. Wait 3-4 weeks minimum between waterings in summer, 6+ weeks in winter. Use terracotta pots to wick excess moisture.