Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

Treatment: Stop watering and inspect the root system. Remove soft or decaying roots and repot into fresh, well-draining succulent soil if rot is present. Ensure the container has unobstructed drainage.

Prevention: Allow the growing medium to dry thoroughly between waterings and avoid leaving the pot standing in collected water.

Treatment: Check soil moisture first. If the medium is extremely dry, water thoroughly. If the plant is regularly watered but develops persistent brown tips, check for mineral buildup, excessive heat, or intense light.

Prevention: Allow the soil to dry between thorough waterings and avoid prolonged exposure to harsh conditions.

Treatment: Review recent changes in light exposure. If the plant was suddenly moved into intense direct sun, move it to brighter filtered light and acclimate it gradually.

Prevention: Increase direct-light exposure gradually rather than moving a low-light plant immediately into intense afternoon sun.

Treatment: Check the soil. If it is completely dry, water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain. If the soil is wet while the leaves remain stressed, inspect the roots because rot can prevent normal water uptake.

Prevention: Use a fast-draining growing medium and adjust watering according to soil moisture rather than a fixed calendar.

Treatment: Inspect the location and watering pattern. Reduce prolonged leaf wetness, improve airflow, and protect the plant from sudden intense sun if scorch is suspected. Remove severely damaged tissue with clean tools.

Prevention: Keep foliage relatively dry, provide good airflow, and acclimate gradually to stronger sunlight.

Treatment: Check soil moisture before watering. If the soil is bone dry, water thoroughly. If the soil is wet and leaves are soft, inspect the roots for decay and correct the drainage problem.

Prevention: Maintain a dry-down period between waterings and use a container with adequate drainage.

Treatment: Move the plant to a brighter location and verify that temperatures remain suitable for active growth. Inspect the roots if poor growth persists despite good light and appropriate watering.

Prevention: Provide strong light, appropriate temperatures, and a well-draining growing medium.

Treatment: Remove the plant from wet soil and inspect the crown and roots. Remove clearly rotten tissue with a sterilised tool. Severely affected plants may not recover, so healthy offsets can sometimes provide the best route to preserving the plant.

Prevention: Avoid prolonged wetness around the crown and use exceptionally well-draining soil and containers.

Treatment: Isolate the plant and remove visible mealybugs with a cotton swab or appropriate contact treatment. Repeat treatment as necessary because hidden insects and eggs can survive the first application.

Prevention: Inspect new plants before introducing them to the collection and regularly check leaf axils and crowded areas.

Treatment: Isolate the plant, wash the foliage where appropriate, and use a suitable labelled treatment for spider mites. Repeat applications according to the product directions because eggs may survive initial treatment.

Prevention: Inspect foliage regularly and avoid prolonged severe plant stress or excessively dry conditions.

Treatment: Check soil moisture and inspect the base and roots. Wet soil with collapsing tissue points toward rot, while completely dry soil suggests severe dehydration. Correct the underlying condition before replacing damaged foliage.

Prevention: Use porous soil, adequate drainage, and a watering routine based on actual soil moisture.

Treatment: Discard discolored or foul-smelling gel. When harvesting, use clean tools and hygienic handling, and refrigerate fresh gel if it is being retained temporarily.

Prevention: Harvest with clean equipment and avoid storing freshly extracted gel for extended periods without appropriate preservation.