Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
African aloe > Etiolated stem
Why is My African aloe Stem Stretched Out Unnaturally?
African aloe, also known as African aloe
Etiolated stem is a plant condition, happening to African aloe due to insufficient light causing the stem to stretch and thin out abnormally. This causes the plant to become weak and susceptible to other diseases, potentially leading to the death of the plant if untreated.

Symptom Analysis

The most noticeable symptom of an etiolated African aloe is a thin, stretched stem. The leaves may become smaller or more spread out. Growth is usually slower, and the plant's overall health and vigor can decline.
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free

What Causes Etiolated stem Disease on African aloe?

Insufficient light
The lack of sufficient light induces the plant to stretch out, becoming weak and thin. The plant tries to grow towards the source of light, causing elongation of the stem.
Optimize plant health with ideal lighting
Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.
Download the App for Free

How to Treat Etiolated stem Disease on African aloe?

Non pesticide
Relocate: Move African aloe to a location with adequate sunlight, avoiding direct, harsh sunlight to prevent scorching.

Prune: Prune the elongated stem to manage the plant's size and promote healthier, bushier growth.
Pesticide
Use growth regulators: Apply plant growth regulators to help control cell division and stem growth, ensuring the plant develops correctly.

How to Prevent Etiolated stem on African aloe?

Provide ample light
Ensure African aloe gets enough light daily. Morning sun and afternoon shade works best for the plant.
Winter Care
During winter when light levels are low, move African aloe to brighter locations or use a grow light to supplement the lack of light.
Regular Check
Regularly check for signs of elongated or unusual stem growth, and adjust light levels promptly to prevent etiolated stems.
Get tips and tricks for your plants
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more!
Download the App for Free

When is Etiolated stem Most Active Period on African aloe?

Etiolated stem is most active in periods of low light such as winter, inside buildings or shaded locations, as the plant struggles to reach for light leading to abnormal growth.

Infectivity

The condition is non-infectious as it's caused by environmental factors, not contagious pathogens.

Lethality

While not directly deadly, an uncontrolled case can potentially result in the plant succumbing to other diseases.

FAQs on African Aloe

What does an etiolated African aloe look like?
An etiolated African aloe will have a thin, stretched stem unlike the usual sturdy and compact stem. The leaves may be smaller and more spread apart.
Can an etiolated African aloe recover?
Absolutely. With proper care like sufficient light and pruning of the elongated stem, African aloe should recover effectively from etiolated stems.
Can I propagate the pruned etiolated stems?
Yes, the pruned stems from an etiolated African aloe can be propagated. However, they should be grown under ideal light conditions to prevent further etiolation.
Does an etiolated stem affect African aloe’s ability to flower?
Etiolation can weaken African aloe overall and may inhibit its ability to flower correctly. Once light conditions are improved, the plant should be able to flower normally.
How long does it take for African aloe to recover from an etiolated stem?
The recovery time varies depending on the severity of the etiolation and the care provided thereafter. Generally, it takes few weeks for African aloe to show signs of recovery.
Can African aloe die from etiolated stem?
While etiolation by itself is not typically fatal, severe cases can weaken the plant making it susceptible to other diseases that might eventually lead to the death of the plant.
Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
Get full care tips and tricks for your plants
Identify toxic plants around you
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app