Question
What are the signs of overwatering  vs  the signs of under watering?  I am trying to find the middle ground!  My aleo seems to go between thin dry leaves and fatter plump ones.  I don t think light is the issue, since I have it in a very sunny window.  I have transplanted several  babies  from the original plant and I want to make sure they survive!  Thanks

Answer
Hi Helen,

Unfortunately, the symptoms of over and under watering are almost identical - shriveled, yellowed leaves. Overwatering leads to the gradual rotting of roots. When that happens, the plant has no way to absorb water so it reacts as it would if it were deprived of water from underwatering. So the symptoms are the same.

To water properly, first make sure your Aloe vera is an a small pot filed with a porous potting mix. If the pot is too large or the soil too heavy, then it will take too long for the soil to dry out in between waterings. When properly potted, let the soil dry out almost completely before watering. This usually takes about a week in good light.

I hope that helps you get the watering down pat. Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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