While aloe vera can help so much when you have your own sunburn, you might not have thought about your aloe plant getting a sunburn! Believe it or not, an aloe vera plant can indeed get sunburned. In this article, we’ll discuss the signs of a sunburned aloe vera plant and how to heal it.
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While aloe might seem like it is a full sun plant, you have to acclimate it to the light – keep reading to find out all about saving a sunburnt aloe vera plant and making sure it doesn’t get burned again!
3 Signs You Have A Sunburnt Aloe Vera Plant
The problem with aloe (and many other succulents) is that many of signs are the same if your plant is overwatered, underwatered, sunburnt, or aren’t getting enough light. So these are 3 definitive signs that you have a sunburnt aloe.
One quick thing to ask yourself is how sunny it’s been recently, and if your aloe is suddenly getting a lot more sun than it was, like if you’ve just moved it to a new spot.
You may also be interested in: Aloe Vera Temperature Tolerance, How To Cut An Aloe Plant
1. The Leaves Are Changing Color
One sign that your aloe vera plant is sunburned is the leaves start to change color. This can be from a light yellowing to even a pinkish red color. It can be surprising to see your aloe changing dramatically from the bright green to any reddish color.
This is one clear sign that your aloe plant is sunburnt, rather than having any other ailments.
2. Spots on Leaves
A second sign that you’ve got a sunburnt aloe is that there are spots appearing on the leaves (that look different from the spots you typically see on aloe leaves).
These spots are usually brown or black, and they’re a result of the sun damaging the leaves of your plant.
3. Leaves Are Curling Or Wilting
A third sign that your aloe is sunburned is that the leaves are curling up or wilting. This is similar to what happens when a plant is overwatered, but you can usually tell the difference because of the other signs that have been discussed.
If your plant’s leaves are curling or wilting, it’s a good idea to check the soil – if it’s damp and you haven’t just watered it, then you’ve got an overwatered aloe. Otherwise, it’s likely a sunburnt aloe plant.
How To Heal A Sunburnt Aloe Plant
Now that we’ve talked about the signs of a sunburned aloe, let’s discuss how to heal your plant. These are short term fixes, to allow your aloe plant to heal. Once it’s healed, you’ll want to move it to a good spot and possibly acclimate it to more sun (keep reading to find out about acclimation).
The first thing you need to do is move your plant out of the direct sunlight. If possible, put it in a shady spot – perhaps under a tree or in a window that only gets morning light, rather than all day sun. If your aloe is planted outside, try putting an umbrella or other cover over it.
The second thing you need to do is water your plant more frequently than usual. Aloe plants are succulents, so they don’t need a ton of water, but when they’re sunburned they will need more water to help them heal. Water your plant about once a week, and make sure the soil is slightly damp.
The third thing you need to do is give it some time. Just like your own sunburn, it will take a little while for the aloe plant to heal. Be patient and keep up with the watering, and soon your plant will be back to its healthy self!
Make your own shady spot with these garden tunnel cloths
Sunlight Requirements Of An Aloe Plant
While you might think that having your aloe plant in full sun is the best place to be, it isn’t always. Aloe can thrive in full sun, but prefers some shade, especially on hot summer days. Aloe plants cannot survive in dim lighting either though!
If you are going to have your aloe plant in full sun, make sure to acclimate your plant.
Acclimating Your Aloe Plant
What does it mean to acclimate your aloe?
It means getting your plant used to the amount of sun it will be in gradually. So, if you are moving an aloe plant from a shaded spot outside to a sunny windowsill inside, do not put it in direct sun immediately. Instead, place it in an area with bright, indirect sunlight and slowly move it over the course of a week/few weeks to a spot that gets more sun. Make sure to turn your aloe plant as well to acclimate all leaves of your aloe plant.
Aloe plants can get sunburnt, and are more likely to burn than many other plants, especially if the seasons are changing and it’s summer. So when you water your aloe, check to see how the leaves are doing, and if you need to move your plant to keep it from getting sunburnt again!
