My aloe vera is dying, what am I doing wrong?

Question

I got an aloe as a gift about a month ago and it was doing great until a few days ago. The leaves have flattened out and become mushy and the aloe is beginning to ooze from the middle. The youngest leaves in the center have turned a reddish-brown and the older leaves have started to turn black near the center of the plant. I haven't watered it in more than 2 weeks so I don't think it is getting too much water, especially since this just started a few days ago. It is in a soil specifically for cacti and succulents. I have tried leaving it in a sunnier spot but it just got worse.

Answer 1

It could be due to a variety of reasons but it sounds like it got overwatered at one time and got some sort of root rot. You could try repotting it, or even try to just get a look at the roots.  If they are all mushy and black it might be too late.

Answer 2

It sounds like it is too wet.  Is the soil moist?  Does the pot have drainage?  Did you transplant?  Did you fertilize?

Aloes do best with good air circulation and bright filtered light.  

Sounds like your aloe is dead ~ rotting ~ probably best to throw out and try again.

Always allow soil to dry between waterings, and make sure that water can drain from pot.  Also it is best not to fertilize right away ~ let the plant get used to its new home for 3-6 months before feeding.

Answer 3

You have overwatered it.  It must be completely dry before you water and then only a tiny bit of water is needed.

Answer 4

It's a succulent plant and they  do not like to be over watered.

Keep in sandy soil that is well drained. Potted plants need filtered sun or full shade.

Let the soil dry out thoroughly between waterings. If they are outdoors in summer months they may require a heavier watering when they receive water but the soil still needs to dry out between waterings.

Open the link below for care instructions

http://www.ehow.com/how_4474141_take-car...

Answer 5

I've raised aloes in my yard (in Florida) and have never seen anything like that happen.  In general, aloes are happy in dryish soil with quite a lot of shade.  I'm not aware of any insect pests that bother them.  

I just did a search, and found a lot of information about aloe vera pests (mostly mealy bugs) and diseases.  Just type in "aloe vera diseases" and you'll find it too.