Why did my aloe plant kick the bucket??????

Question

I watered it every day and kept it in the sun... What did I do wrong???

I think I overwatered it... I did not know the aloe was a cactus?!

Answer 1

Several things could have killed your aloe, overwatering being at the top of the list. When potting aloe vera, you need to make sure the container has holes in the bottom to allow for drainage. Being a cactus, the aloe prefers to have a sandy soil. An easy way to get this is to take a good potting soil and mix it with perlite, granite grit, or, yes, coarse sand. If your aloe was exposed to cold temperatures, it also could have killed it.

Answer 2

It sounds like you overwatered it. Aloe isn't exactly a cactus, but it IS a succulent, and it stores as much water as it can, thinking it's out in its natural environment. If you get another, wait until the top half-inch or so of soil is dry before you water. Be sure to put it in a pot that has good drainage, and preferably pot it in the type of soil you'd use for cacti. You can also use ordinary potting soil; mixing a little builder's sand with it will help it drain properly.

They're neat plants, and pretty much thrive on neglect; I'd say a watering about twice a month would be sufficient, unless you live in a REALLY dry area. I had aloe plants in Colorado Springs (elevation 6200 feet and humidity down in the single digits in winter), and even those plants only needed a couple of waterings a month.

Answer 3

Did you possibly over water? I forget to water my aloe plant and it goes quite a while. If its moist it should be ok. If its soggy wet- too much water. The only other possibility might be the soil you have it planted in. Any good potting soil should be acceptable.

Answer 4

It also might have gotten too much sun. They do like some shade. I had some facing south and they didn't do well. I moved them to a partially shaded area and they grew like crazy.