Everyone loves the look of a household full of lush, flourishing plants, but not everyone knows how to keep plants alive long enough to get that effortless, green thumb look. Indoor plants can be quite tricky if you choose the wrong species, so picking a plant like aloe vera is a fantastic choice, because it is great at thriving indoors with little maintenance. Not only is aloe vera quite easy to maintain, but it has a unique look all its own, not to mention the healing benefits of the gel you can get right off the plant itself anytime you want.
This spiky succulent is a great addition to any home’s decor and works as a wonderful starter plant on your way to the lush living space of your dreams. So don’t fret if you don’t have the greenest of thumbs, as this article will be your guide to a healthy, happy aloe vera plant. Whether it’s your first house plant or your fiftieth, these tips on how to care for your new aloe vera plant will teach you how to prep, plant and care for it and you can use that knowledge for future plant projects. Enjoy and happy planting!
Aloe vera (also known as aloe barbadensis) is a spiky succulent plant that is known for its health and beauty applications due to its natural healing abilities. It is grown in several climates, from tropical to arid climates around the world, including in the United States (southern/western parts) as well as Africa, Asia and Europe. The aloe plant is also a very unique looking plant and relatively easy to take care of for most amateur plant enthusiasts, making it a popular plant to have in the home.
Plant tip: Did you know you can take a clipping off of your aloe plant and apply the gel from the leaf directly on sunburns or rashes?
Aloe plants are known for their therapeutic gel and medicinal properties. Their succulent leaves and sculptural form also make them popular indoor plants that are easy to care for. With the right growing conditions, aloe plants can thrive indoors and add beauty and greenery to any space. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best tips and tricks for growing lush, healthy aloe plants indoors.
Choosing the Right Aloe Plant
With over 500 species, there are many different aloe plants to choose from For growing indoors, it’s best to select smaller, compact aloe varieties that won’t outgrow your space. Some great options include
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Aloe vera – The most popular and widely used aloe species Known for its healing gel, Grows up to 2 feet tall
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Aloe aristata – A small, clump-forming aloe with white spots on leaves. Grows 6-12 inches tall.
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Aloe juvenna – Tiger tooth aloe with striking striped leaves. Grows up to 2 feet tall.
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Aloe brevifolia – Short-leaf aloe with blue-green leaves Grows 1 foot tall and wide
When selecting your aloe, pick a healthy plant with firm, plump leaves and no signs of pests, disease or damage.
Providing the Right Potting Mix
Aloe plants need a fast-draining soil mix to prevent soggy roots. The best potting mix contains:
- Coarse sand or perlite for drainage
- Peat moss or coconut coir to retain some moisture
- A small amount of organic compost for nutrients
You can make your own mix by combining 2 parts sand/perlite with 1 part peat and 1 part compost. Or simply use a commercial cactus/succulent soil blend. Just be sure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Choosing the Right Pot or Container
Pick a pot that’s just large enough to hold the aloe’s root ball with a little room for expansion. Terra cotta pots are great as they allow air circulation and evaporation. Avoid glazed or decorative pots without drainage. For mature plants, choose a heavy container that won’t tip over from the weight.
Providing Bright, Filtered Light
Aloe plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. South or west-facing windows are ideal. Provide at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. If light is insufficient, use supplemental lighting. Watch for leaf scorching or yellowing, signs of too much direct sun. Sheer curtains can filter intense light. Rotate the pot regularly so growth stays even.
Watering Properly
Aloe plants are drought-tolerant and rot easily with overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. In summer, water every 2-3 weeks. In winter, water just once a month. Always pour off excess water that collects in the saucer. Reduce watering if leaves start to yellow or droop.
Maintaining Proper Temperature
Aloe plants like warm conditions between 70-80°F during the day and 60-70°F at night. Keep away from hot radiators or AC vents. Cooler winter temps around 50-55°F are tolerable but avoid prolonged freezing. Sudden temperature swings can shock the plant.
Providing Good Air Circulation
Allow space around the aloe for air to circulate. Stagnant air encourages pests and diseases. Gently dust leaves occasionally to remove debris. Set the pot on pebbles/feet to prevent waterlogging if needed. Avoid drafty areas that may chill or dehydrate the plant.
Fertilizing Occasionally
In spring and summer, use a balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4 strength every 4-6 weeks. Excess fertilizer can burn roots. No need to feed in fall and winter when aloes are dormant. If repotting, add some organic compost to the new potting mix.
Repotting As Needed
Repot young aloe plants annually in spring as their root systems expand. Older plants only need repotting every 2-3 years. Slide the aloe out, loosen any root balls, and repot in a container 1-2 inches larger. Don’t bury leaves in the soil. Remove any dead roots before replanting.
Propagating for More Plants
Aloe plants sprout offsets or “pups” from the mother plant. These offsets can be gently removed and planted in their own pots once they reach 2-4 inches tall. Just sever with a sharp, sterile knife and allow offsets to dry for 2 days before potting up in a sandy soil mix.
Caring for Common Aloe Problems
Overwatering causes soggy soil, mushy leaves, root rot and pests like fungus gnats. Underwatering leads to wilting, dry soil and yellow leaves. Sunburn shows up as scorched, brown-tipped leaves. Treat insects like mealybugs with neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays.
By following these simple tips for proper care, lighting, watering, temperature and troubleshooting, your aloe plant can thrive indoors! A small investment in meeting its needs will yield a gorgeous, sculptural succulent that enhances your home with natural beauty.
Common Questions about Growing Aloe Indoors
Many indoor gardeners have questions when first caring for aloe plants. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
How much light does an aloe plant need indoors?
Aloe plants need 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. South or west-facing windows are ideal. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
What temperature is best for aloe plants?
Aloe plants prefer daytime temps of 70-80°F and 60-70°F at night. Avoid prolonged freezing or hot/cold fluctuations.
When should I water my indoor aloe plant?
Allow the soil to completely dry out, then water thoroughly. In summer, water every 2-3 weeks. In winter, water just once a month.
What type of soil does an aloe plant need?
A fast-draining cactus/succulent mix is best. You can make your own mix with sand, perlite, peat and compost.
How often should I fertilize my indoor aloe?
Fertilize at half strength every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer. No fertilizer needed in fall and winter.
Why are my aloe plant’s leaves turning brown or yellow?
This is likely due to sunburn from too much direct light. Move the plant back from the window and filter intense sunlight.
How do I propagate new aloe plants for indoors?
Remove offsets or “pups” when they reach 2-4 inches tall. Allow them to dry for 2 days before planting in sandy soil.
Can I grow aloe plants in low light conditions indoors?
Aloe plants need at least 4 hours of bright light daily to prevent decline. Supplement with grow lights if sunlight is insufficient.
Enjoying the Benefits of Indoor Aloe
Caring for aloe plants indoors provides many rewards. These eye-catching succulents add striking forms and textures to living spaces. Their healing gel and medicinal properties are beneficial additions to any home. As long as their basic needs are met, aloe plants can thrive indoors for many years. Follow these tips to grow lush, sculptural aloes that enhance your indoor garden with vibrant green hues and unique textures.
Before You Buy: Plant Tips
Before you purchase or plant your first aloe vera plant, make sure to read these tips to start off on the right foot and give your aloe plant the care it needs to thrive. With proper care, indoor aloe plants can live up to around 10-12 years, so giving it the best care at the beginning will give it a great start.
Tip #1: For the best results, make sure to use a soil that is specifically made for succulents (there are many types to choose from at your local garden center or Home Depot) or mix equal parts sand and potting soil. Do not use gardening soil.
Tip #2: Choose a location in your house that offers bright, indirect sunlight. This is the best lighting situation for the plant.
Tip #3: Aloe grows quite slowly, so if you plan to harvest the gel, make sure your plant is 6 to 8 inches long and has 10 or more leaves before you harvest.
Tip #4: It is recommended to plant aloe in a planter made of porous material, such as terra cotta or similar, as it will allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings as well as be heavy enough to keep the plant from tipping over when it grows. Plastic or glazed pots will hold more moisture, but can be used if you make sure to check soil for moisture before you water again.
Plant Tip: Aloe vera gel is toxic to cats, so make sure to keep your pets from chewing on the plant to avoid any issues.
So you’ve bought your first (or next) aloe plant and now you need to know how to take care of it. Here’s what you need to know to keep your aloe vera plant happy and healthy for years to come.
- Put the aloe plant in a bright, sunny spot in your house.
- Water your aloe plant every two weeks. Make sure soil is dry before watering or the roots will rot from overwatering.
- Aloe vera is sensitive to drastic fluctuations in temperature so make sure to keep your aloe plant away from any cold areas in your house.
- Make sure your planter that is housing your aloe plant has a drain hole just in case you overwater. This will help keep your plant from rotting from overwatering.
- Enjoy your new aloe plant!
Plant Tip: If your aloe leaves start to turn brown or limp, that is also a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry up before you water again. Never put an aloe plant in soil where another plant has rotted — that soil is bad and should be replaced.