Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Feel the soil two inches deep.
- Check the pot for drainage holes.
- Inspect the base of the leaves for mushiness.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel soft, mushy, or translucent rather than firm. The soil likely feels damp to the touch several inches down.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil stays wet for more than a few days, repot the plant into a fresh, well draining succulent mix.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the soil stays wet for weeks. The plant may look generally unhappy and stunted.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a gritty soil mix specifically for cacti and succulents to allow water to pass through quickly.
Find out what's wrong with your soap aloe
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly or the base of the plant turns brown and soft. It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to occasionally yellow and wither as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Only water your soap aloe when the soil is completely dry, which typically takes 14 to 21 days.
Soap Aloe: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your soap aloe and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I cut off the yellow leaves?
- Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors once they are completely shriveled. This keeps the plant looking tidy and prevents rot from spreading.
- Can too much sun cause yellowing?
- Usually, too much sun turns soap aloe leaves a reddish or brownish color. Yellowing is almost always a sign of too much water.
More problems with Soap Aloe
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.