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With summer in full swing, aloe vera may remind you of painful sunburns. However, there are plenty of positives to think about when it comes to the plant. While you may be right to associate aloe vera’s hydrating qualities with spending too much time in the sun, the species also has other benefits as a popular houseplant. Whether grown inside or outside, these plants require little maintenance to survive, making them a great addition to any home or garden.
“They help to filter air as a houseplant,” says Aly Stoffo, owner of Glam Gardener NYC. Stoffo also mentions their ability to heal burns and wounds and reduce facial inflammation. With a variety of benefits to take advantage of and a pretty simple upkeep process, aloe vera plants have become popular with plant parents everywhere.
Although you don’t need to be an experienced gardener to care for an aloe vera plant, there are some key tips to keep in mind when it comes to growing, harvesting and repotting your own. Below, we share a comprehensive aloe vera plant care guide, with help from experts.
Aloe plants are popular succulents that are easy to grow and provide many benefits. Their thick, fleshy leaves contain a gel that can be used to treat minor burns, cuts, scrapes and more. Aloe plants also help purify indoor air With the right care, aloe plants can thrive for many years. This comprehensive guide provides tips and tricks for successfully growing healthy aloe plants.
Choosing the Right Aloe Plant
There are over 500 species of aloe plants, but the most common is Aloe vera. Look for varieties like:
- Tiger Aloe – Has short leaves with white stripes
- Lace Aloe – Small with sawtooth, white-spotted leaves
- Blue Aloe – Large silvery-blue leaves
When selecting an aloe, pick a plant with thick, fleshy leaves that stand upright Avoid leggy plants with yellowing leaves
Ideal Growing Conditions
Aloe plants thrive in warm, dry environments with plenty of sun. Here are their ideal growing conditions:
- Sunlight – Aloes need full sun, at least 6 hours per day. South- or west-facing windows are best indoors.
- Temperature – Ideal temps are between 55-80°F. They can tolerate short periods down to 40°F.
- Soil – Use a well-draining cactus/succulent mix. Add perlite or gravel for improved drainage.
- Pot – Use terra-cotta pots with drainage holes. Plastic works too but retains more moisture.
Watering Aloe Plants Properly
Overwatering kills more aloe plants than anything else. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Wait until the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry before watering.
- Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom. Let drain completely.
- During spring/summer, water every 2-3 weeks. In fall/winter, water every 4-6 weeks.
Always err on the side of under watering. Aloes can tolerate some drought, but not wet feet!
Providing Proper Light
Aloe plants need full sun to look their best. Indoors, place in a south or west window. Rotate the plant occasionally to prevent leaning toward the light.
If the leaves start to turn yellow or brown, it needs more sunlight. Move to a sunnier spot or invest in a grow light.
Using the Right Soil
Aloe plants need fast-draining soil. A cactus/succulent potting mix works well. You can also make your own mix:
- 1 part potting soil
- 1 part perlite or coarse sand
- 1 part gravel or pumice
Additives like perlite improve drainage to prevent soggy soil. Use terra-cotta pots for better evaporation.
Fertilizing for Growth
During spring and summer, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/2 strength. Fertilize monthly. In fall and winter, don’t feed at all.
Organic fertilizers like compost tea work well for aloes. Avoid over-fertilizing which can damage the roots.
Controlling Pests
Aloe plants are highly resistant to pests. Mealybugs and aphids may sometimes attack the leaves.
- Remove bugs by hand or spray with insecticidal soap
- Treat scale with alcohol on a cotton swab
- Prevent pests by allowing soil to dry out between waterings
Repotting Aloe Plants
Aloes dislike being repotted too often. Repot every 2-3 years in spring, or when severely rootbound.
- Choose a pot 1-2 inches larger than the current pot
- Use cactus/succulent soil
- Allow 1 week after repotting before watering
Removing pups or offset plants is an easy way to propagate more aloe plants for free.
Caring for Aloe in Winter
Aloe plants grow slowly in winter. Reduce watering to every 4-6 weeks. Stop fertilizing.
Keep indoor temperatures above 55°F. Plants can tolerate dips into the 40s but prolonged cold will damage the leaves.
Common Aloe Plant Problems
Here are some common aloe issues and how to fix them:
- Yellow leaves – Needs more sun, water soil when dry
- Brown spots – Sunburn, move to partial shade
- Leggy growth – Insufficient sunlight, rotate plant or supplement with grow light
- Rotting leaves – Overwatering, allow soil to dry out between waterings
With proper sunlight, soil, water and care, aloe plants can thrive for years. Follow this aloe plant care guide for a healthy and happy plant!
How to Help an Aloe Vera Plant Flower
Naturally, aloe vera plants will flower better in direct sunlight outdoors. If you live in a warmer environment, try placing the aloe plant outdoors in the summer. However, remember to slowly introduce the plant to more light little by little to prevent overexposure.
If you notice your aloe vera is wilting or that the leaves are turning yellow or brown, you may be overwatering the plant, which would make it more difficult for it to flower. You can also try using fertilizer in the spring. However, make sure to apply it conservatively.
Varieties of Aloe Vera
There are more than 500 species of aloe, separated into three categories: tree aloes, shrub aloes and stemless aloes. Luckily, in terms of care, what works for one succulent will work for the others. To help you pick the right aloe plant for your home or garden, here are some details:
- Aloe vera: This popular stemless plant has thick, greenish leaves that fan out from the central stem. While the leaves can grow 30 to 40 centimeters long, the flower stalk can reach 90 centimeters high.
- Aloe aristata: Known for the white teeth attached to the edge of their leaves, these stemless succulents are poisonous and lack health benefits. They can grow 8 to 12 inches tall, making them ideal plants for containers.
- Aloe polyphylla: Once you see this plant, youll know exactly why its called the spiral aloe. Their short leaves are arranged in rows that spiral in the same direction. During the spring and summer months, they produce red to salmon-pink blooms.
Aloe Vera Care Guide! // Garden Answer
FAQ
How can I increase the growth of my aloe vera plant?
What can I give my aloe plant to help it grow?
What is the secret to growing aloe vera?
Can aloe vera grow in poor soil?
When it comes to growing aloe vera plants, you don’t have to worry much about soil fertility. This plant grows well in poor soil, making them perfect for otherwise uninhabitable places in your garden. A closeup of the center of an aloe vera plant. Source: vicsaez
How do you care for aloe vera?
Provided you have a warm and sunny spot waiting, it’ll be fairly easy to care for aloe vera. Here are some growing tips for what you need to keep this medicinal wonder at its best. Aloe veras need as much light as they can get to keep the leaves perky. However, too much of a good thing leads to sunburn, so aloe vera plants prefer indirect light.
How often does aloe vera grow?
Aloe Vera is a slow-growing plant, so patience is important when it comes to new growth. Usually, an Aloe Vera plant will grow new leaves every few months. However, this depends on a few things, like proper lighting, watering, and soil conditions.
How do you grow aloe vera?
The best location to grow an aloe vera plant is somewhere sunny and dry. Outdoors, plant it in a spot where the soil is very sandy and well-draining. Indoors place your potted plant in a bright, south-facing window. Though you could keep it inside year-round, you can put it outside during the hot and sunny months.