The easy-care and robust aloe vera not only attracts attention as a decoration, but can also be used to make the popular gel. However, if the houseplant starts to stink, you should investigate the matter.
What's wrong if the aloe vera stinks?
If your aloe vera stinks, you will notice the smell of rot. The cause of this is often waterlogging. To attempt a rescue, you must repot the plant in dry substrate. If her condition improves after a few weeks, she has recovered.
Why does my aloe vera smell awful?
If your aloe vera smells disgusting, you can smell thesmell of rot Waterlogging is usually responsible for this. This occurs when the plant has received too much water over a longer period of time. It is questionable whether you can still save your aloe vera. Nevertheless, a rescue attempt is worth it:
- Free the plant from the wet substrate
- let it dry for a few days
- plant in fresh, dry soil
- do not water for four weeks
Why does my he althy aloe vera smell like garlic and onions?
If the aloe vera exudes a scent that smells like garlic or onions, you are probably assuming thenatural smell of the plant. If you find this unpleasant, you can mask the smell of garlic by placing fragrant house plants. Alternatively, look for a different location for the aloe. If this is not possible, you will have to do without the plant to avoid the unpleasant smell.
Why does aloe vera stink when I harvest the leaves?
When the leaves are harvested, a yellow liquid comes out, the smell of which is found disgusting by many noses. A chemical compound called aloin is to blame. This is located in the so-called latex layer of the aloe vera leaf, which lies between the green leaf and the gel. Since aloin is intended to protect the plant from predators, the substance not only smells unpleasant, but also tastes extremely bitter.
Tip
Home-harvested aloe vera gel stinks
Aloe vera gel is considered a secret weapon for the skin. However, its positive properties only develop if the gel is of very good quality. If you notice during harvesting/processing that it smells and/or is brownish, it is rotten gel that you (unfortunately) have to dispose of.
