Troubleshooting
Aloe Vera 'Chinese' problems — and how to fix them
Aloe Vera 'Chinese' (Aloe vera 'Chinese') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Soft, mushy base
Root or crown rot from overwatering or a pot that holds moisture. Repot into gritty mix, cut away rotten tissue and water far less often.
Brown, scorched leaf tips
Sudden move into intense direct sun. Acclimatise gradually and shade lightly during the hottest summer afternoons.
Pale, stretched, leaning leaves
Etiolation from too little light. Move to your brightest window or add a grow light so the rosette stays tight.
Cottony white pests in leaf joints
Mealybugs hiding between leaves. Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud and repeat weekly until clear.
Prevent aloe vera 'chinese' problems before they start
Most aloe vera 'chinese' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for the species overview? Aloe vera — the full care guide.
Aloe Vera 'Chinese' problems — FAQ
Why is my aloe vera 'chinese' soft, mushy base?
Root or crown rot from overwatering or a pot that holds moisture. Repot into gritty mix, cut away rotten tissue and water far less often.
Why is my aloe vera 'chinese' brown, scorched leaf tips?
Sudden move into intense direct sun. Acclimatise gradually and shade lightly during the hottest summer afternoons.
Why is my aloe vera 'chinese' pale, stretched, leaning leaves?
Etiolation from too little light. Move to your brightest window or add a grow light so the rosette stays tight.
Why is my aloe vera 'chinese' cottony white pests in leaf joints?
Mealybugs hiding between leaves. Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud and repeat weekly until clear.