Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil two inches deep to see if it is damp.
- Check the bottom of the pot to ensure water is not trapped.
- Gently pull the plant to see if it feels loose in the soil.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the plant feels mushy and the leaves may turn translucent or yellow. You might notice a foul smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the plant is severely affected, remove it from the pot, trim away black or slimy roots, and repot in fresh, fast draining succulent mix.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface for a long time after watering. The pot lacks holes or the soil is too dense and peat heavy.
What to do: Repot the aloe into a container with large drainage holes. Use a gritty mix containing pumice or perlite to ensure water passes through quickly.
Find out what's wrong with your spiral 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.
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When to worry
If the center of the rosette turns black or mushy, the plant is likely beyond saving. It is normal for the very bottom leaves to dry up as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Always use a gritty, inorganic soil mix and wait until the soil is almost completely dry before adding more water.
Spiral aloe: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spiral 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
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in dry, airy soil.
- How often should I water my Spiral aloe?
- Water every 10 to 20 days, but only when the soil is nearly dry.
More problems with Spiral 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.