Aloes are beloved for their unique appearance, ease of care, and medicinal properties. If you’ve noticed that your aloe plant is turning red, don’t panic just yet. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this color change and whether it signifies a problem. We’ll also discuss how to address any issues that may arise, so you can keep your aloe happy and healthy.
Overview Of Why Aloe Plants Turn Red
The Aloe genus comprises hundreds of different species, each with its own shape and size. Aloe Vera, in particular, is renowned for its medicinal and cosmetic uses. These succulents thrive in sunny and dry conditions, making them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
Many aloe plants naturally turn red as an adaptation to intense light. It’s not sunburn, but rather a protective reaction similar to a suntan that shields the leaves from the harsh sunlight. While this red hue is often a healthy process, changes in coloration can also indicate that the plant isn’t happy. It doesn’t necessarily mean the plant is in immediate danger, but it does provide valuable insights into its well-being.
Healthy Coloration From Sunshine
Aloes generally love several hours of direct sunlight each day. While some smaller varieties can tolerate shadier areas, most aloes prefer a bright location. However, it’s important to note that aloes don’t enjoy being baked in intense, hot sunshine. Each aloe variety has different requirements when it comes to direct sunlight.
When exposed to strong light, the aloe plant reacts by turning red or deep bronze, similar to trees producing red leaves in autumn. This change in coloration is usually a positive sign, indicating that the plant is receiving sufficient illumination.
If you prefer an all-green plant, you can reduce the amount of light it receives. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between two scenarios:
Too Much Light: Outdoor aloes often turn red or brown during the summer and regain their green color in the fall without any issues. This is different from unhealthy color changes caused by sun damage, which can result in dry brown scars, shriveled foliage, thin leaves, and burned tips.
Insufficient Light: An aloe plant in low-light conditions will lose its red tints and become lighter green as it struggles to receive adequate sunlight. The center of the plant may appear paler compared to the rest. If an aloe doesn’t receive enough light, it may grow leggy, splay out, or stretch towards its light source.
Acclimation Is Important For Your Aloe Plant
While aloes are happy in full sun, they need time to adjust to changes in light intensity. Natural outdoor light is much brighter than indoor light, which filters out the ultraviolet rays that red pigmentation in aloes is meant to block.
When moving an aloe plant from indoors to outdoors, avoid placing it directly in the sunlight. Instead, introduce it to bright, indirect light at first and gradually expose it to stronger sunlight. Similarly, if you are bringing an aloe plant accustomed to full sun indoors, allow it to acclimate to its new environment by placing it in bright shade for a couple of weeks before moving it to its new spot.
Unhealthy Causes Of An Aloe Plant Turning Red
Not all instances of red aloe plants are signs of good health. Here are some common causes of unhealthy color changes and what you can do about them:
Water Woes
Overwatering is a significant threat to the health of an aloe plant. Excessive moisture can cause the foliage to turn brown and mushy due to rot, which is far worse than discoloration caused by sunlight. Sun damage can be easily overcome by an aloe plant, but recovering from waterlogged soil is more challenging.
To prevent overwatering:
- Be mindful of your watering habits. Do not rely on a fixed schedule; instead, monitor the soil and water only when the pot is three-quarters dry.
- During the growing season, water every two to four weeks, depending on the environment.
- Another indication that it’s time to water is when the leaves slightly wrinkle. Avoid watering if the leaves are tight and plump.
- Reduce watering during winter. Cold and wet conditions pose a significant threat to aloes.
- If your aloe plant turns red or brown in harsh light due to lack of moisture, thoroughly water it, but avoid overcompensating. Simply resume normal watering.
Heavy Soil
Aloe plants require light, fast-draining soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Using a heavy soil that retains too much moisture makes it difficult to keep the roots dry and healthy, endangering your aloe.
To create an ideal soil mix for your aloe plant:
- Use a cactus mix as a base. This type of soil provides excellent drainage.
- Add regular potting soil, humus, or organic materials to enhance the soil’s ability to absorb water and provide some nutrition. However, be sure not to sacrifice its fast-draining quality.
- A mix of 50% cactus soil and 50% richer potting medium is suitable. If the mix drains too slowly or retains excess moisture, incorporate coarse sand, perlite, or other aerating amendments.
Too Much Fertilizer
Aloes require only light and infrequent feeding. Overfeeding can cause shock, leading to leaf discoloration and crispiness at the tips.
To prevent fertilizer shock and protect your aloe plant’s sensitive roots:
- Thoroughly soak the soil about 12 hours before applying fertilizer to create a thin layer of moisture that partially shields the roots from direct and rapid intake.
- Dilute the fertilizer by half or even by a quarter.
- Feed your plant at the beginning of the growing season and every six weeks until late summer. As winter approaches, stop fertilizing until the following spring.
Excess Salts
Overfertilization can lead to the accumulation of chemical salts in the soil, which can burn the sensitive roots of your aloe plant. This can result in discoloration and browning of the leaf edges and tips.
To prevent this, flush the soil each time you water by running water freely through it. This will help rinse out any salts and other toxins. Ensure that the soil drains thoroughly.
Repotting Reaction
Repotting is a significant event for any plant, including aloe. If your aloe plant turns red after repotting, it is typically a reaction to the stress it experienced during the process. However, the plant should recover as it settles into its new container.
To ease the transition and ensure a successful repotting:
- Increase the pot size by only one inch in diameter, allowing the roots to absorb moisture without creating excess moisture in the larger space.
- Opt for an unglazed clay pot, as it helps the soil dry out more quickly.
- Use the same fast-draining soil mix or a similar composition to what the plant was initially potted in.
- Avoid placing your repotted aloe plant in direct sunlight immediately, even if it previously enjoyed full sun. Provide it with a week or so of protection from intense rays to aid in its recovery.
- Delay fertilizing for a month or two, as the enriched soil can likely provide the plant with the necessary nutrients.
Temperature Stress
Cold temperatures can cause an aloe plant to turn red or purplish. Even a brief chill can trigger a change in color. Most aloes prefer temperatures between 55°F (13°C) and 80°F (27°C). If your aloe plant begins turning red during cool autumn weather, it is a sign that it should be brought indoors.
If you notice red tinting on leaves near a window during the cool season, it may indicate that the spot is too cold for the plant. Even in a warm room, temperatures near frosty windows can be surprisingly cold. Drafts, whether hot or cold, can also lead to changes in color.
Aloe Plants That Are Naturally Red
It’s important to note that certain aloe species naturally have red leaves. For example, Aloe cameronii, indigenous to Zimbabwe and Malawi, displays naturally red foliage that varies in color depending on the season and lighting conditions.
Understanding why your aloe plant is turning red and taking appropriate action will help ensure its health and beauty. By providing the right amount of sunlight, watering judiciously, using well-draining soil, fertilizing appropriately, and protecting your plant from extreme temperatures, you can help your aloe thrive and maintain its natural splendor.