Should I cut the brown tips off my aloe plant?

Brown, dry leaf tips on an aloe plant are normal and not necessarily a cause for concern. You can use clean scissors to trim off any dry, cracked tips to improve the plant's appearance.

Why is my aloe vera plant turning brown and soft?

Soft, mushy, and browning leaves on an aloe vera plant are telltale signs of overwatering or root rot. Reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to fully dry out between waterings. Remove any mushy, rotten leaves.

What does aloe rot look like?

Aloe rot typically appears as soft, mushy, discolored leaves that turn brown or black. The leaves may also smell foul when the plant is severely overwatered and rotting from the roots.

How to tell when aloe needs water?

One of the clearest signs your aloe vera needs water is when its plump leaves start to wrinkle, shrivel and become thinner. Smooth, plump leaves indicate the plant is adequately hydrated.

Is Epsom salt good for aloe vera plants?

Epsom salt can be beneficial for aloe vera plants when used sparingly. The magnesium and sulfur help promote lush, green growth and can aid with seed germination. However, too much can build up salt levels and damage the plant.

Hawaiian Ti Plant Care Guide

Hawaiian ti (Cordyline fruticosa), also known as a good luck plant, cabbage palm, and miracle plant, are used traditionally to make hula skirts. Ti needs what most tropical plants need: water, sunlight, and humidity. While it can be grown as a landscape specimen in tropical regions, it is more often grown as a potted houseplant.

How much light does a Hawaiian Ti need?

For optimal leaf color, positioning your Ti plant in full sun is ideal. However, be cautious of excessive direct sunlight, as it can lead to browning along the leaf edges and tips. While Ti plants thrive in full sun, providing at least six hours of sunlight per day, it's beneficial to shield them from intense afternoon heat when grown outdoors. Alternatively, bright filtered light throughout the day is also suitable for these plants. In low-light environments, expect a reduction in vibrant colors, with the leaves taking on a greener hue.

Indoor cultivation of Ti plants requires ample bright indirect light to support their growth and coloration.

How often should I water a Hawaiian Ti?

For optimal growth in your garden, the Ti plant thrives in soil that maintains moisture without becoming waterlogged. During periods of insufficient rainfall, it's essential to water deeply approximately twice per week, ensuring a total of around 1 inch of water reaches the soil. When watering, target the soil directly to prevent moisture from collecting on the foliage, which can lead to issues. In the cooler seasons, watering once every two weeks is adequate to sustain healthy growth. For potted plants, allow the toil inch of the soil to dry out between watering, generally once a week.

To further support the Ti plant's well-being, apply a layer of mulch around the base, extending 2 to 6 inches deep and positioned 4 inches away from the trunk. This helps regulate soil moisture and temperature while suppressing weed growth.

Take caution when selecting water sources, as Ti plants are sensitive to fluoride. Rainwater or bottled distilled water are best to avoid potential browning of leaf tips and edges.

ti leaf plant care will ensure leaves remain bright

What are the temperature + humidity needs for a Hawaiian Ti?

Temperature

Hawaiian Ti grow best in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 95°F (18°C to 35°C). Maintain consistent temperature levels by placing your Hawaiian Ti away from drafts and heating or cooling sources. These plants are not able to withstand prolonged temperatures below 50°F.

Humidity

As a tropical plant, Hawaiian Ti prefers higher humidity. It is recommended to mist the leaves daily or place a tray filled with water and pebbles beneath the pot. This will create a humid microclimate around the plant, promoting healthy growth.

How should I prune my Hawaiian Ti?

Regular pruning of the Ti plant primarily involves removing yellowed leaves as they emerge, which is a natural occurrence as the plant matures.

Trim any lanky or unsightly stalks as needed. Don't hesitate to shear Ti leaves back to as low as 6 inches from the soil surface if necessary.

What common issues does a Hawaiian Ti experience?

While money trees are relatively resilient plants, they may encounter some common challenges:

Brown leaf tips: This often indicates insufficient watering frequency. However, if you're watering adequately, the issue may be attributed to fluoride present in your tap water. In any case, switching to distilled or bottled water is recommended.
Faded leaves: Faded leaves can result from low temperatures, inadequate light, or a lack of fertilizer. If your ti plant's foliage begins to lose its color, consider relocating it to a brighter or warmer location and adding fertilizer.