Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors once they have completely dried up and turned brown. If they are still mushy, wait until they dry out to avoid creating an open wound on the plant.

Can I save a plant with yellow, mushy leaves?

If the roots are still firm and white, you can save it by letting it dry out completely. If the roots are black and slimy, the plant likely has rot and will be very difficult to rescue.

Cape Speckled Aloe: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is damp.
Check the base of the leaves for mushy spots.
Assess how many hours of direct sun the plant gets.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy rather than firm, and the yellowing often starts at the base of the plant. You might notice the soil stays damp for more than a few days after watering.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil stays wet, repot the plant into a fresh, fast draining cactus mix. Only water again once the soil is bone dry all the way through.
Low Light
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks pale and stretched out, losing its vibrant color. It may lean heavily toward the nearest light source.
What to do: Move your aloe to a spot that gets direct, full sun for at least 6 hours a day. Gradually introduce it to more light over a week to avoid sunburn. A south facing window is usually the best spot.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your cape speckled 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

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and shrivel as the plant grows. You should worry if the yellowing is spreading to the newer leaves at the center of the rosette.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the soil is bone dry before watering, and ensure your pot has large drainage holes. Keep the plant in a bright, sunny location year round.

Cape Speckled Aloe: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cape speckled 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?: Yes, you can trim them off with clean scissors once they have completely dried up and turned brown. If they are still mushy, wait until they dry out to avoid creating an open wound on the plant.
Can I save a plant with yellow, mushy leaves?: If the roots are still firm and white, you can save it by letting it dry out completely. If the roots are black and slimy, the plant likely has rot and will be very difficult to rescue.

Why are my Aloe microstigma leaves turning yellow?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your cape speckled aloe?

Likely causes

Overwatering

Low Light

Find out what's wrong with your cape speckled aloe

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Cape Speckled Aloe: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

More problems with Cape Speckled Aloe