The Aloe vera plant is a popular, resilient succulent that stores large amounts of water in its thick, fleshy leaves, allowing it to tolerate dry conditions. When the plant begins to shrivel, this is a clear sign of distress, indicating that its internal water reserves are depleted or inaccessible. Shriveling appears as a puckering, wrinkling, or thinning of the leaves, often making them feel deflated or hollow to the touch. This change signals a breakdown in the ability to maintain turgor pressure, usually rooted in a failure of proper care.
Dehydration The Primary Cause of Shriveling
Dehydration is the most common reason for an Aloe vera plant to shrivel, resulting directly from insufficient water availability. The shriveling typically begins at the tips of the leaves, the farthest points from the stem, and slowly progresses inward. When the soil becomes completely dry, the plant pulls moisture from its own leaves to sustain itself, causing them to thin and develop a wrinkled appearance.
To confirm a moisture deficit, check the potting mix by inserting a finger a few inches deep. If the soil is bone-dry or has pulled away from the edges of the pot, the plant is severely underwatered. Dried-out soil can become hydrophobic, meaning it repels water rather than absorbing it.
A highly effective method for rehydrating a severely dry Aloe is bottom watering. Place the pot, which must have drainage holes, into a basin filled with three to four inches of lukewarm water. Allow the plant to soak for at least 45 minutes, or until the top two to three inches of soil feel saturated.
Once the root ball is saturated, remove the pot from the basin and allow all excess water to drain freely. This deep soak encourages the roots to grow downward and establishes a full reservoir of moisture. To prevent future shriveling, water deeply only when the soil has completely dried out.
Root Damage When Shriveling Signals Too Much Water
While shriveling usually indicates a need for water, it can also signal chronic overwatering, which leads to root rot. Root rot is a fungal infection caused by saturated soil conditions that deprive the roots of oxygen. Damaged roots cannot function or absorb moisture, causing the plant to shrivel even though the surrounding soil is wet.
In this scenario, the symptoms differ from dehydration: the leaves may feel soft and mushy, often turning yellow or brown starting at the base. The soil itself will likely smell foul or stagnant due to decomposition. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent the rot from spreading further up the stem.
To treat root rot, remove the plant from its pot for inspection. Healthy Aloe roots are firm and light-colored, while rotted roots are dark brown or black, slimy, and easily detach. Use a clean, sterilized knife or scissors to carefully trim away all the dark, mushy, and damaged root tissue.
Allow the trimmed roots to air dry for several days until the cut surfaces form a dry, protective callus. This callusing process prevents new infections before repotting. Select a pot only slightly larger than the remaining healthy root system and ensure it has a large drainage hole. Repot the plant in a fresh, fast-draining succulent or cactus mix.
Environmental Factors Temperature and Light Stress
External environmental conditions, separate from watering practices, can also induce shriveling as the plant attempts to conserve moisture. Exposure to intense, direct sunlight, especially sudden changes, can cause the leaves to appear reddish-brown and shrivel slightly. This is a form of sunburn where the plant produces protective pigments and closes its pores to minimize water loss.
If the Aloe is suffering from sun stress, immediately relocate it to an area that provides bright, indirect light, such as a few feet back from a sunny window. This allows the plant to photosynthesize efficiently without scorching its tissues. Maintaining a consistent light environment is preferable to prevent this stress reaction.
Aloe vera thrives in typical indoor temperatures, ideally ranging between 55° and 80° Fahrenheit. Exposure to cold is particularly damaging, as temperatures falling below 40° Fahrenheit can cause the water inside the plant’s cells to freeze. This freezing destroys the cell structure, leading to a sudden, irreversible collapse and shriveling of the affected leaves. If cold damage occurs, move the plant to a warmer location immediately, and remove the damaged leaves once they dry out.