Foul-Smelling Yellow Aloe Gel: Not Normal – Identify Plant

Red Flag

Aloe vera gel should be clear, odorless, and tasteless. Yellow-green, foul-smelling gel indicates:

• Wrong species: Some aloes (e.g., Aloe ferox) have bitter, colored sap.
• Old leaf: Outermost leaves degrade over time.
• Rot/infection: Bacterial/fungal breakdown.
• Not aloe at all: Could be Agave or Gasteria.

Critical: Verify Identity

Email photos (whole plant, leaf close-up, cut gel) to gregandkat@msn.com. Do not use medicinally until confirmed.

If True Aloe Vera

• Discard affected leaves.
• Check roots for rot.
• Repot in fresh mix if needed.
• Use only inner gel from firm, green leaves.

Many "aloe" sold are hybrids or mislabeled.