From the plant's perspective, overwatering disrupts its natural adaptation to arid environments. Aloe vera, a succulent, stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves. When overwatered, it exhibits several distress signals:
1.1 Soft, Mushy Leaves: The leaves lose their firmness due to excess water absorption, causing cell walls to rupture. This makes them appear translucent or soggy.
1.2 Yellowing or Browning: Chlorosis (yellowing) occurs as roots suffocate from lack of oxygen, impairing nutrient uptake. Browning indicates advanced rot.
1.3 Drooping or Collapsing: The structural integrity of leaves weakens, causing them to bend or fall over.
1.4 Root Rot: Below the soil, roots turn dark, slimy, and emit a foul odor as fungi like Pythium or Phytophthora thrive in waterlogged conditions.
2.1 Oxygen Deprivation: Roots require air pockets in soil to respire. Waterlogged soil fills these pores, starving roots of oxygen and leading to anaerobic conditions.
2.2 Nutrient Imbalance: Excess water leaches essential nutrients (e.g., nitrogen) from the soil, while impaired roots cannot absorb them effectively.
2.3 Fungal Proliferation: Pathogens exploit weakened roots, releasing toxins that accelerate decay and block water transport pathways (xylem).
3.1 Immediate Actions:
3.1.1 Stop Watering: Halt all irrigation to prevent further stress. Aloe vera can survive drought but not prolonged saturation.
3.1.2 Remove from Pot: Gently extract the plant to inspect roots. Shake off wet soil and trim rotten roots (black/mushy) with sterile scissors.
3.1.3 Dry the Plant: Let the aloe air-dry for 1–2 days in a shaded, well-ventilated area to allow wounds to callus.
3.2 Repotting:
3.2.1 Choose Well-Draining Soil: Use a cactus/succulent mix with perlite or coarse sand (50:50 ratio) to mimic natural gritty habitats.
3.2.2 Select a Suitable Pot: Opt for a terracotta pot with drainage holes to wick away moisture. Avoid oversized pots to reduce soil moisture retention.
3.2.3 Repot Gently: Place the aloe in fresh soil, ensuring the base of the leaves sits just above the soil line. Wait 5–7 days before watering lightly.
3.3 Post-Recovery Care:
3.3.1 Water Sparingly: Water only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry (typically every 3–4 weeks). Reduce frequency in winter (dormancy).
3.3.2 Provide Indirect Light: Place the plant in bright, indirect sunlight (6–8 hours/day) to support photosynthesis without scorching stressed leaves.
3.3.3 Monitor for Recovery: New growth (firm, green leaves) indicates success. If rot persists, propagate healthy leaf cuttings.
4.1 Use a Moisture Meter: Measure soil moisture levels before watering to avoid guesswork.
4.2 Adjust Watering by Season: Aloe vera’s water needs drop in cooler months. Water only when the plant shows slight wrinkling.
4.3 Improve Environmental Conditions: Ensure good airflow around the plant and avoid placing it in humid areas (e.g., bathrooms).
