Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Press the soil with your finger to see if it is damp.
- Gently pull the plant to see if it is loose in the soil.
- Inspect the roots for a mushy texture or foul smell.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel mushy or soft, and the base of the plant turns dark brown or black.
What to do: Stop watering immediately. Remove the plant from its pot, trim away any black or slimy roots, and repot it in fresh, dry cactus soil.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays damp for more than a few days after watering, or the pot lacks drainage holes.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom. Use a terracotta pot to help the soil dry out faster.
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the base is soft and mushy, the plant is in serious trouble. If only the tips are affected, it is likely just a watering issue.
Stopping it coming back
Only water your Aloe every 14 to 28 days, and always let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Aloe Vera: root rot? 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 save an Aloe with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in dry soil, then wait a week before watering again.
- How do I know if the soil is dry enough?
- Stick your finger two inches into the soil. If it feels cool or damp, wait another week.
More problems with Aloe Vera
- What are these white spots on my Aloe vera?
- Why is my Aloe vera growing long and thin?
- 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.