Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check how many hours of direct sun the plant gets daily.
- Observe if the leaves are leaning toward the light source.
- Feel the leaves to see if they are thin rather than plump.
Likely causes
Lack of sunlight
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves are pale, thin, and bending downward instead of standing upright.
What to do: Move the plant to a window that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun. If you do not have a sunny window, use a grow light.
Too much water
PossibleHow to tell: The plant grows quickly but looks weak and floppy.
What to do: Reduce your watering frequency. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, which is often every 2 to 3 weeks depending on light and temperature.
Find out what's wrong with your aloe vera
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
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When to worry
It is not a medical emergency, but it means the plant is unhappy. It will not fix itself unless you change the light conditions.
Stopping it coming back
Place your Aloe in a south or west facing window. Rotate the pot occasionally so all sides get equal light.
Aloe Vera: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your aloe vera 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 trim the long leaves?
- You can, but it will not stop the legginess. You must move the plant to more light for it to grow correctly.
- Is my plant dying if it is leggy?
- No, it is just starving for light. It will be fine once you move it to a sunnier spot.
More problems with Aloe Vera
- Why is my Aloe vera plant rotting at the base?
- What are these white spots on my Aloe vera?
- Why are my Aloe vera leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Aloe vera drooping?
- Why are my Aloe vera's tips turning brown?
- Why are there spots on my Aloe vera leaves?
- Why is my Aloe vera not flowering?
- Why are my Aloe vera leaves curling?
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.