Why are Aloe Vera leaves turning brown and mushy?

This pattern points to root rot, and a saucer that is not emptied is a likely cause. Standing water keeps the soil wet from the bottom up, which is exactly what Aloe roots do not tolerate. Aloe Vera is a succulent from dry regions and needs its soil to dry out completely between waterings. Watering every week is also often too frequent, especially in cooler months.

What to do now: take the plant out of its pot and check the roots. Healthy Aloe roots are firm and white to light tan; rotten ones are brown or black, mushy and often smell bad. Cut away rotten roots and any mushy leaf bases with a clean knife or scissors. Let the plant sit out of soil for a day or two so the cuts can dry and callus.

Repot in fresh, dry cactus and succulent mix (or regular potting mix with plenty of perlite added) in a pot with a drainage hole; terracotta helps the soil dry faster. Wait about a week before watering so the trimmed roots can heal.

Going forward, water only when the soil is dry all the way through; check with a finger or a moisture meter. That usually means every few weeks, less often in winter. Empty the saucer after watering, or water in the sink and let the pot drain fully before putting it back.