Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Wait until the leaf is completely dried out and crispy before removing it. If you cut it while it is still mushy, you might create an open wound that invites infection.

Can yellow leaves turn green again?

No, once a leaf has turned yellow due to stress, it will not return to its original color. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy.

Mountain Aloe: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil two inches deep to check for moisture.
Inspect the base of the plant for soft or mushy spots.
Assess if the plant has been moved to a darker location recently.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft, mushy, or translucent rather than firm. You might notice the soil stays damp for more than a few days.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil stays wet for over a week, repot the plant into a fast draining cactus mix with perlite.
Low Light
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks pale and stretched out, losing its deep green or bronze color. It lacks the energy to maintain its thick, fleshy leaves.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Gradually introduce it to brighter light over a week to avoid sunburn.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mountain 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.

When to worry

Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the center of the plant, as this indicates rot. It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to eventually wither and turn yellow as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your pot has large drainage holes and only water when the soil is bone dry all the way through.

Mountain Aloe: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mountain 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Wait until the leaf is completely dried out and crispy before removing it. If you cut it while it is still mushy, you might create an open wound that invites infection.
Can yellow leaves turn green again?: No, once a leaf has turned yellow due to stress, it will not return to its original color. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy.

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