Aloe vera has its origins in warm and dry areas. It survives longer periods of drought without water because it can store water in its leaves. However, this ability becomes her undoing in Frost.
The aloe vera does not like temperatures below 5 degrees
Aloe vera is one of the so-called leaf succulents, the plants that use their leaves to store water. The leaves of the healthy aloe are plump, the outer skin is smooth and shiny. Even at temperatures below 5° Celsius, the cold-sensitive aloe plant can be damaged. The water stored in the leaves freezes, destroying the leaf tissue and dying.
Avoid frost damage if possible
The frost damage can be recognized by the glassy, softened leaves, which later turn dark and die off. In older, strong plants, only leaf tips or individual leaf parts can be affected. Prolonged exposure to cold can also damage the roots of aloe.
In order to avoid such damage, you should bring your aloe that has been outside in summer back inside by September at the latest. The aloes can easily be overwintered at normal room temperatures. If they are kept cooler in winter (approx. 10-15° Celsius), this will promote flowering. In this case, you should water your aloe very little and not fertilize it.
Remedy for frost damage
Depending on the duration and severity of the frost and the general condition of the aloe, various measures can save the plant:
- keep the aloe bright and warm at first, avoid direct sun,
- do not water the plant for a few days or weeks so that the damaged leaves dry up and may fall off,
- Carefully remove the damaged plant parts, possibly cut off with a clean knife,
- if the damage is severe, check the roots as well and, if necessary, allow them to dry or cut them off.
If, after some time, new healthy leaves appear in the center of the aloe vera, your aloe vera has recovered.
tips and tricks
You should also take care of your aloe when airing it out for a long time in winter and better not leave the pot near the open window.