Aloes are a cactus-like succulent plant often known for their natural medicinal purposes, topical and oral. Not only are they useful but also quite easy to grow and maintain.
However, when growing them, there are times where they can start to smell and it’s often difficult to work out why.
Why does my aloe plant stink? This question used to bother me a lot, and that’s why I was adamant to find all the root causes behind it.
An Aloe plant will smell for a couple of reasons. It’s important to be able to distinguish between them to get a better understanding of just how bad the underlying problem may be.
On one hand, the smell can be temporary when caused by a fresh cut. In contrast, a lingering odor can be caused by rotting roots, which is definitely a cause for concern. Especially for the long term health of the plant.
In this article, we’ll go through the most common reasons why an aloe plant can stink and then offer some methods to correct the problems. Sounds good? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
What is an Aloe Plant?
Aloes are a succulent that is often mistaken for a cactus. This is mainly due to their spiny green leafed characteristics. They grow without a traditional stem and have dense, greenish, fleshy leaves that splay out from the lower regions of the plant’s central growth node.
The edges of the leaves have small soft, gummy textured serrated teeth.
One of the biggest upsides to this beneficial plant is its ease of growth. Surprisingly, besides its encouraging health benefits, it’s considered an invasive species in many parts of the world. These plants can grow up to 3 ft (90 cm) in height but average more around the 2 ft (60 cm) mark, depending on their growing environment and conditions.
There are over 300 species of Aloe, however, only 3-4 species offer medicinal benefits. Aloe Vera is one species that can be used in several ways to help reduce and prevent a range of ailment symptoms. It can be taken both orally and topically. The benefits of the extract from an Aloe Vera plant include:
- Antioxidant and antibacterial properties (which assist in accelerating healing of wounds both inside and outside of the body)
- The reduction of dental plaque
- Assisting with constipation
- Improving the overall condition of the skin and preventing wrinkles
- Lowering blood sugar levels
- Assists in hydration and moisturization
- Assists in fighting acne problems
The Aloe family has over 300 different species of plants. It’s not uncommon to think of Aloe as a healer plant. However, there are only 3-4 plants within the family that offer these benefits. The most common healer Aloe species are Aloe Vera, Aloe Ferox, Aloe Arborescens and Aloe Perryi.
Some other common Aloe species that aren’t healers include Aloe Crosby’s Prolific, Aloe Rubroviolacea, Aloe Microstigma, Aloe Broomii and Aloe Aculeata.
What Is Aloin?
Aloin is one of the active ingredients in the gel of the leaves of the medicinal species of Aloe. It isn’t the beneficial gel itself, but the yellowy sap released alongside the gel. It’s recommended to avoid using Aloin by preparing the leaves in such a way that it is removed before using the gel.
This can be achieved by taking the Aloe leaf, placing it cut side down in a cup or bowl, and letting it drain out for at least 10-15 minutes.
Once removed, the gel can be applied directly to the skin as a topical gel known to soothe sunburns, accelerate wound healing and reverse the effects of canker sores and ulcers.
Consuming Aloin can be harmful because of its high concentrations. It’s highly recommended to avoid doing so as it is a known potent laxative. It can lead to dehydration, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or kidney failure.
If you do happen to make contact with the Aloin, try to give the exposed area a good wash with warm, soapy water. It’s always advised to take FDA approved products to avoid any health issues that may occur.
Why does my aloe plant stink? (5 Prominent Reasons)
There are 4 main reasons why an Aloe plant will start to give off an odor. Funnily enough, though, these reasons can almost be attributed to one or two root maintenance mishaps.
Let’s look at the reasons in detail so we can then go on to understand what needs to be done to correct these issues.
Poor Drainage
Poor or inadequate drainage is one of, if not, the biggest problem regarding certain types of plants. When a plant that needs a well draining soil or container is denied, a snowball of other issues will occur.
Adequate drainage is the most fundamental aspect to get right from the early stages of any plant’s growth, whether well draining or moisture retentive.
Definition of poor drainage
Every plant, tree, bush, etc requires a certain amount of water. Some tolerate the moisture better than others. Those that don’t tolerate excess moisture require adequate drainage to ensure that the plant’s root system does not sit stagnant in any pooling water.
This can be in either the lower regions of their growing container or deeper in the growing medium of a garden bed.
When drainage is ineffective, water can pool or puddle above and below the ground. When there is an excess of water, it’s difficult for plants to absorb oxygen which is a vital aspect of their growth and development.
Some plants even require aeration so the roots can absorb oxygen and respire. The plant will suffocate and struggle to survive if these actions are hindered.
How poor drainage can lead to a bad odor?
When water is denied an exit point in its growing medium, it sits stagnant around the root system. The roots bathe in the water which causes them to rot as a result. If the problem is not corrected, the rotting will slowly spread through the plant. This rotting process leaves a foul odor.
Signs of poor drainage
The most obvious signs of poor drainage are excessively moist soil that won’t dry out. You will also notice the rotting odor that we talked about.
As far as visual signs are concerned, the plant will begin to look limp. Its leaves will start to turn yellow, brown, and even black and mushy as the problem takes over the plant.
If the issue progresses even further, you may notice the plant being attacked by small insects and bugs as they feed on the dying plant.
Overwatering
Proceeding poor drainage, overwatering forces the plants’ problems into overdrive. Especially for those who don’t tolerate greater amounts of moisture. When a plant receives too much water, its roots will drown and begin to rot.
Definition of overwatering
In simple terms, overwatering is when a plant drowns. They drown because the excess water fills every possible air pocket and doesn’t allow the plant access to oxygen vital for growth. Plants need oxygen and they also need to be able to respire.
Without enacting these processes, they suffocate and rot before dying slowly. Some plants like a lot of water as they may have bigger, more intricate root systems that can soak up excess moisture.
On the other hand, other plants have root systems that don’t need as much. Ensuring the plant has adequate drainage will help regulate any excess water problems.
How over-watering can lead to a bad odor?
Overwatering leaves the soil wet and clumpy, if the soil stays in this condition, it will start to smell. Furthermore, without adequate drainage, the water will pool around the plant’s roots. As the roots sit in the stagnant water, they have no option but to rot away.
When this problem is left unattended, the rotting will work its way up through the plant which causes the foul odor to persist.
Signs of overwatering
An overwatered plant will have wet, messy and often clumpy soil. You may even notice water sitting on top of the soil. As the problem persists, the soil and plant will start to smell.
As far as visual signs are concerned, the plant will become limp and droopy, the leaves will fade from yellow to brown to even black and mushy, depending on the severity.
Rotting roots
So the snowball continues…When the roots of any plant start to rot, they usually try to survive against the excess water often related to poor drainage. The roots become suffocated by the magnitude of water that doesn’t allow the roots and plant to breathe in or out.
Alongside suffocation, the roots are bathing in the pooling water which causes them to shrivel up and rot as a result.
Definition of rotting roots
Root rot or the rotting of roots can be defined by stating that a plant’s roots are surrounded and drowning in excess water. As the water isn’t allowed to drain away, the roots cannot breathe in or out, leaving them to rot in the stagnant water.
Root rot is considered a fungal disease caused by poor maintenance such as inadequate drainage and overwatering.
How rotting roots can cause a stinky smell?
When the roots of a plant sit in stagnant water for an extended period, they start to rot. During this rotting process, a certain type of bacteria begins to form. As the bacteria grows in this anaerobic condition, it will start to smell and emit a foul rotting odor.
Signs of rotting roots
Rotting roots are usually distinguishable by the stench they and the soil give off. Otherwise, you may notice that the plant is starting to droop and wilt as it slowly decays. It may also turn yellow, brown, black, and mushy as the condition worsens.
If you are unsure that your plant’s roots are rotting, you can remove the plant from its container or garden bed and look at them. Rotting roots is difficult to recover from, but it’s not impossible with some good care and maintenance.
Pests and Diseases
In the later stages of a plant’s demise, pests will latch on and feed on the weakened plant. They are attracted to the smell of rot and decay and see it as an easy meal and home. It is also much easier to contract diseases when a plant is weakened.
Common pests and diseases that can cause a stinky odor
The most common pests that enjoy snacking on a decaying Aloe plant include aphids, caterpillars, red scale, red spider mites, snout weevils (Adults and larvae) and white scale.
As these pests latch on, they leave huge holes, discolored spots, and even sap burns, which further decimate the plant.
Regarding diseases, the most common to attack an Aloe plant include botrytis, leaf-spot disease, powdery mildew, root rot, rust and southern blight. Not all of them leave the plant to smell, but they can contribute to an overall decaying that makes them smell.
How pests and diseases can affect the smell of an Aloe plant?
A range of pests and diseases can affect an Aloe plant’s condition by attacking and weakening them. In this weakened condition, bacteria and fungus both form and reproduce which slowly cause the plant to rot. The subsequent rotting produces and amplifies the stench.
Signs of pest and disease infestation
The following pests and diseases are known to affect Aloe plants, which can cause a stench if untreated.
Pests:
- Aphids love the moist, damp conditions and will lay their eggs amongst the leaves. They latch on wherever they can and suck the plant dry, leaving honeydew in their wake.
- Caterpillars are reasonably easy to spot and love munching on newer leaves. They leave quite large bite marks if not discovered and eradicated sooner rather than later.
- Red spider mites become more of a problem when the humidity is higher, however, they can cause some havoc as they lay their eggs and feed on the weakened limbs.
- Red Scale are known to attack the plant’s upper limbs, exposing them to diseases and other pests.
- Snout weevils use the plants as a source of food only, they jump from plant to plant and leave large bite marks, leaving the leaves distorted and discolored.
- White Scales have similar feeding and breeding habits to aphids.
Diseases:
- Botrytis presents dark brown sunken spots that can be described as inner burning.
- Leaf-spot disease presents small, round, dark necrosis spots on the leaves.
- Powdery mildew is a white powdery disease that forms due to excess humidity.
- Root rot is a result of a bacteria forming when the plant’s root system is suffocated in excess water.
- Aloe Rust is a fungus that causes yellow spotting and discoloration. The leaves may even droop and fall off as this disease progresses.
- Dark brown lesions can identify southern blight on the lower portions of the plant’s stems.
Wrong Harvesting Process
If an Aloe plant is harvested by simply ripping off a piece of leaf, you will notice a slight temporary foul odor. The best way to avoid the stench and encourage it to grow back properly is by making a clean straight cut with a sterilized cutting tool. A knife or pair of scissors work best as the hook nose on gardening shears can get in the way.
How to Fix a Stinky Aloe Plant?
Now that we have established all the reasons that can cause an Aloe plant to stink, it’s time to look at how to correct them by preventative measures or solutions.
Fixing Poor Drainage System
Drainage is the first issue that should be addressed as it sets the tone for everything that follows. Poorly draining soil can create a domino effect that ruins your plant and leaves it with no chance of surviving.
Steps to improve drainage
A good quality soil mix should include perlite, lava rock, chunks of bark, or all three. Avoid using standard potting mixes and choose a cactus blend if you purchase a premade soil. Choose a container with drainage holes and can breathe, such as terracotta or fabric.
Pro tips on ensuring proper drainage
If planting in a garden bed, measure the root ball of the aloe and dig a hole that is at least 20-30 cm greater than the ball’s diameter. Aerate the surrounding soil and use a cactus mix to fill the gap between the natural ground and the new home for your Aloe plant.
This buffer of well draining soil will help the roots stay out of an area where excess water may pool and cause rotting.
Fixing Overwatering Issues
Adjusting the plant’s water intake should be the next port of call. This is where you have most control over the overall health of your plant. Once any rotting begins to set in, the headaches begin!
Tips on reducing watering frequency
Aloe can usually be watered every 2-3 weeks during the warmer months and once every 6 weeks during winter. Keep in mind that they go dormant during winter so it might even be the case that they don’t need any water during these times. It all depends on their growing environment and climate.
Pro tips on proper watering techniques
Aloe should be watered deeply but less frequently. The best way to discourage root rot is by allowing the top 1-2 inches to dry out before administering new water. Ensure the soil has adequate drainage to prevent any water build up.
Fixing Rotting roots
When roots begin to rot, the best way to correct them is by simply pulling them up and checking their condition. They may be unsavable. However, if you notice that there are still green or white roots, there is hope.
Steps to remove the rotting roots
The only way you can remove rotting roots in the hope to save a plant is by pulling the plant up and giving the roots a good once over. Check on the condition and ascertain whether or not there are more living roots than dead. It is possible to save a root system with minimal living roots but they are much harder to treat.
Once the plant is up, prune away the dead roots as close as possible to the root ball. Treat them with a fungicide and replant them. As they are trying to reestablish themselves, keep a good eye on the condition on the upper portion of the plant to see if it stays in a lively condition.
Pro tips on how to prevent rotting roots
The best way to prevent roots from rotting is by ensuring that the plant is grown in a well draining, aerated soil. Then make sure to only give it as much water as it needs without soaking it.
As long as the plant isn’t taking in an excess amount of water and it can drain away, you shouldn’t have any other problems with rotting roots.
Fixing Pests and Diseases Issues
The key to correcting any problems caused by pests and/or disease is by first going through the process of ascertaining what the culprit is. Then treating the plant accordingly.
Steps to remove pests and treat diseases
Work out which pest or disease is making your Aloe plant a mess and treat them according to what works best.
Pests:
We always recommend using natural pesticides where possible and in the case of Aloe, organic neem oil, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil sprays have the best effect.
Remember that some Aloe plants are sensitive, so it’s always a good idea to test an area of the plant before continuing with the treatment. These products can take out almost all of the mentioned pests and prevent them from invading for some time.
Diseases:
All of the mentioned Aloe affected diseases can be treated with sulfur fungicide, copper fungicide, or neem oil. We swear by neem oil, but the other two can be worth investing in also depending on the type of disease causing issues.
Pro tips on preventing pest and disease infestation
As we have spoken about throughout this whole article, the problem starts with poor drainage and overwatering, then the rotting offers an open invitation to unwanted pests and diseases. Therefore it’s best to ensure that the Aloe is planted with a good quality, well draining, aerated, cactus mix.
Once that box is ticked, stick to a consistent watering schedule where the top 1-2 inches of soil remains moist but never soaked. If these basic principles are followed, none of the following dominos such as rotting and pest/disease problems can occur.
Fixing Harvesting Process and Planting Right Aloe Vera Type
One piece of advice that needs to be followed is to prune away dead or decaying leaves regularly so the plant stays fresh and clean. Furthermore, always make clean, straight cuts when harvesting.
The cleaner the cut, the better chance the plant has of healing and not causing any kind of smells.
A Few Additional Pro tips
Aloe plants are not only fun to grow, they are also extremely easy to maintain. Let’s look at some tips that can be followed to ensure that your Aloe plant stays strong, healthy and stink-free for as long as it lives.
- Give the plant a good start by planting it in a good quality cactus blend soil. Ensure it has some larger, well-draining materials such as pumice, perlite or even chunks of bark.
- If you’re unsure how much water to give, you can allow it to dry out completely between watering. Aloes are drought tolerant succulents and can go for extended periods without water, so don’t risk overwatering by guessing when to administer some moisture.
- Keep the plant somewhere that it can bathe in bright, indirect light. Aloe plants love the light but don’t love a constant full sun belting down on them.
- Aloe plants can be sensitive to drastic changes in temperature and environment. Avoid moving them around too much and try to find somewhere where they aren’t exposed to extreme temperature swings. Window sills, bright open garages and sheds are great options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does aloe vera go rancid?
Freshly picked or sliced Aloe Vera will only last 1-2 days at room temperature before going bad as it contains no preservatives. It can last up to a week in the fridge and a year when frozen.
How long is aloe vera plant good for?
A fully mature Aloe plant takes around 4 years to grow and will showcase leaves at 8-10 inches tall. Depending on their growing environment and conditions, they tend to live for up to 12 years.
What does pure aloe vera smell like?
Freshly sliced or picked Aloe Vera has a garlic/earthy smell whereas store bought gels may have a slight scent of alcohol mixed in. This smell comes from an additive and is usually what helps the gel stay in its preserved condition.
Conclusion:
There are many different Aloe plants, but only a small handful offer health benefits. When an Aloe plant has poor drainage or is overwatered, its roots will rot and the stink it produces invites unwanted pests and diseases.
The best way to mitigate these problems is by simply giving the plant a good quality start to its life via good soil preparation and maintenance.
If you notice the plant becoming smelly at times, it’s highly recommended that you intervene to correct the issue before it’s too late. A healthy Aloe is a stink free Aloe.
We hope that this guide has been helpful. You can read about similar topics here on our website. Check back again soon for more.
