Will these brown aloes return to being green?

by Ann
(Deal, Dover, England)

Brown Aloes

Brown Aloes

The vera and squarrosa have turned brown during the winter. They were grown in my greenhouse (in the south of the UK) with a small amount of heat overnight. My son has told me that, as the windows are plastic and not glass, they may have been coated to prevent them turning white in the sun. He has suggested that if I bring the plants out in the sun, they may return to being green. I've done this for a few days now, just during the daytime and then they go back in the greenhouse. There is one green leaf on the aloe vera. Alternatively, they might have just got too cold. I too must now be a gardener - I seem to always be writing to you with problems with my plants which look as though they're dying.

Comments for Will these brown aloes return to being green?

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Apr 25, 2022
 Horticulturists...
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

To be a horticulturist, you have to kill a lot of plants!

If the leaves are squishy and seem to be filled with water, they are most likely dead. If they are stiff and turgid, there is a chance they'll recover.

Don't overwater them! The roots are usually the most delicate part, and if the whole plant got too cold, that will kill them. The top part could come back if the roots are still alive.

Don't worry about writing to me with problems - this is my gig! I love solving problems.
Apr 25, 2022
 Thank you
by: Ann

Thank you Jacki, for such a swift answer. None of the leaves are squashy - the aloe squarrosa is all very firm. The leaves of the aloe vera are firm but very thin. They appear to be firmly rooted in the soil, so I will hope they return.
Apr 25, 2022
 Sounds good
by: Jacki

If they feel normal, just discoloured, they will most likely be fine, once warmer weather arrives. They could have been a little light deprived, or too cold. Keep notes for next year!

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