Under/over water?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by ennnceee, Apr 12, 2022.

  1. ennnceee

    ennnceee Gardener

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2009
    Messages:
    201
    Ratings:
    +68
    Posting again about my beloved Aloe. I've just pruned all the brown tips and a few unwell leaves (leaves?) from the north-facing (out the window) side. Hardly any on the side in the room, so to speak.

    I wouldn't break it up, couldn't transplant, so wonder, still, if I'm overwatering, underwatering, or whether it's simply the position, or a combination of two of them. I give it a large mineral bottle's worth of water every couple of weeks.

    What do you think? Aloe 0422 2 (1).JPG Aloe 0422 2 (2).JPG
     
  2. Spruce

    Spruce Glad to be back .....

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2009
    Messages:
    8,731
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +12,318
    Looks great to me, the brown tips at the end are normally caused by drying out or/and too cold in the window which in this case is mostly the cause with the tips getting effected. As the leaves facing into the room are kept warmer

    The only other thing I would do different is take out the whole leaf from the base rather than leave a cut end as it can look unsightly and plus side you can make up some gel to use.

    Spruce
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
    • ennnceee

      ennnceee Gardener

      Joined:
      Apr 21, 2009
      Messages:
      201
      Ratings:
      +68
      Super answer, hadn't thought of that, but makes great sense. Thank you.
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • ennnceee

        ennnceee Gardener

        Joined:
        Apr 21, 2009
        Messages:
        201
        Ratings:
        +68
        Back again! That did seem to make sense, and may well be contributory, but now I'm worried about it again. A lot of browning at the tips, but facing in and out of the room. I still don't know if something like a litre from the bottom every couple of weeks is enough, more than enough or about right; although the latter unlikely, I imagine, or it probably wouldn't look unwell! Any ideas?
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Spruce

          Spruce Glad to be back .....

          Joined:
          Apr 10, 2009
          Messages:
          8,731
          Gender:
          Male
          Ratings:
          +12,318
          any chance of a photo ?

          how long has it been in the pot ?

          and how often are you watering ?

          the window sill is full sun ? and how long a day in full sun

          did you feed it with any plant food ?
           
        • Jocko

          Jocko Guided by my better half.

          Joined:
          Jan 2, 2022
          Messages:
          2,416
          Gender:
          Male
          Occupation:
          Retired engineer. Now Vice CEO of the garden.
          Location:
          Danderhall on southern edge of Edinburgh. Zone 8a.
          Ratings:
          +6,776
          I always find that with potted plants the weight gives an idea of when it needs more watering. When you thoroughly water it, feel the weight, then check the weight daily. As it dries out you notice the difference.
           
        • ennnceee

          ennnceee Gardener

          Joined:
          Apr 21, 2009
          Messages:
          201
          Ratings:
          +68
          Thanks, both.

          Some more photos here. Now that I see the full extent of the browning/deterioration (facing out), it appears it may, sadly, be past the point of rescue. The photos that were already here show it quite healthy (they're fairly recent), but not now.

          Years in the pot.

          A litre from the bottom every couple of weeks. This has always approximately been the routine.

          Not in full sun. Window bay facing north.

          Have never given plant food.

          Jocko, I can do that with pot plants I can lift. Impossible to lift this, at least to test weight, as it were.

          Thank you. P1010054.JPG P1010055.JPG P1010056.JPG
           
        • Spruce

          Spruce Glad to be back .....

          Joined:
          Apr 10, 2009
          Messages:
          8,731
          Gender:
          Male
          Ratings:
          +12,318
          I would say its watering and I think its roots may have rotten ...

          time to spit up and start afresh

          just think of all the free plants you can give away .....
           
        • ennnceee

          ennnceee Gardener

          Joined:
          Apr 21, 2009
          Messages:
          201
          Ratings:
          +68
        • Spruce

          Spruce Glad to be back .....

          Joined:
          Apr 10, 2009
          Messages:
          8,731
          Gender:
          Male
          Ratings:
          +12,318

          yes .... or the roots have just rotted away

          you have done well to get it to that size how old is it ... thats what I like about the UK we keep them for years .... I have a asparagus ferns my mum bought in the 70's lol
           
        • ennnceee

          ennnceee Gardener

          Joined:
          Apr 21, 2009
          Messages:
          201
          Ratings:
          +68
          It does always readily take up the litre of water from the bottom. I presume it would do that even if overwatered, would it?
           
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice