Question
I have an Aloe Vera plant that was healthy when it was given to me.

It has begun to fade in colour and some of the leaves are going brown and shrivelling up.

I've given it plenty of water, so I don't think it's that.

It currently sits behind a plate glass window that gets a lot of sun in a spot that get's quite hot - could that be the problem?

What sort of environmental factors does Aloe Vera normally prefer?

Thanks in advance.

Sean

Answer
Dear Sean,

Shriveling leaves are a normal part of aloe growth; however, the plate glass window is proobably intensifying the sun's rays too much for the plant. If you could move it to a location that receives a little less sun it probably would be happier. This isn't to say that most aloes shouldn't be grown in full sun - they should be, as most species in habitat don't have nurse plants to provide shade. It's just that there is no glass in habitat to intensify the sun's rays.

It also could be that your aloe needs repotting.

Check the link below, see if it helps you, and let me know if you've further questions.

Regards,

Jeff

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/cacti/2000073249017614.html