Black Spots & Holes on Your Aloe Vera Plant – What to Do

Black spots and holes on the aloe vera plant leaves indicate a problem that requires fixing as soon as possible before your houseplant gets into even greater trouble. Here are the main reasons for black spots appearing on aloe plants.

Aloe Plants Given Too Much Water

A lot of houseplant issues develop as a result of watering. It’s not an easy job but you need to make sure you aren’t over-watering or under-watering in order to keep your aloe plant in top condition.

Over-watering is a common cause of black spots on aloe plants because the clogged soil can lead to the development of a variety of rot including root rot, fungal stem rot, and leaf rot. In addition to plant diseases, over-watering may also lead to the appearance of fungus gnats, which can be a big nuisance.

Generally speaking, aloe vera plants don’t need to be watered more than once a week unless you happen to live in a place with very dry humidity. To prevent black spots on aloe vera plants, make sure the soil starts to feel dry before you water it again.

If the existing soil is too clogged and beyond saving, we would suggest to carefully transplant the aloe plant to a new pot containing well-draining soil. We would specifically recommend succulent soil mixes that are designed for optimal aloe plant growth.

Pests Eating the Sap of Aloe Plant

Holes and black spots can also appear on aloe vera plants due to the presence of garden pests. The most common pests that affect aloe plants include mealybugs, scales, and mites. Some of these insects are barely visible but can still leave hefty damage on the leaves of the aloe plant.

Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of these pests without resorting to toxic pesticide chemicals. You could use household materials like dish soap, vinegar, and food-grade diatomaceous earth to get rid of these pests quickly.

The Influence of the Plant Container

Did you know that the container the plant is grown in can also contribute the development of black spots and holes along the aloe leaves? All gardening pots aren’t created equal. For example, terracotta pots are known for making it super easy for water to pass through. Plants grown in such pots may need to be watered more frequently than plants grown in plastic containers.

What we described above may also cause other common aloe growth issues like droopy leaves. The good news is that aloe plants are quite resilient plants so they can be saved if you act in a reasonable amount of time.