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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.
With their sculptural forms and succulent leaves, aloe plants make striking additions to outdoor gardens. Aloes thrive in warm, sunny climates and are low-maintenance plants. By following some simple guidelines, you can enjoy gorgeous aloe plants that enhance your garden with vibrant green hues and unique textures.
Selecting the Right Aloe Varieties
With over 500 species, there are many aloes suitable for outdoor growth. Consider your climate and available space when choosing:
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Aloe vera – The classic medicinal aloe. Needs warm weather grows up to 2 feet.
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Aloe aristata – Clump-forming with white-tipped leaves. Just 6-12 inches tall.
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Aloe brevifolia – Blue-green, short leaves on 1 foot plants. Handles some cold.
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Aloe striatula – Striped green and white leaves on 18 inch upright plants.
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Tree aloe – Large, tree-like aloe that can grow over 15 feet tall.
Pick healthy, pest-free plants with plump, firm leaves. Shelter newly planted aloes until they establish.
Selecting the Right Outdoor Location
Aloes thrive in full sun but need a bit of afternoon shade in very hot climates, Shoot for 4-6 hours of direct sun daily, South or west-facing spots are ideal Sheltered areas like patios and under eaves work well too,
Preparing the Right Soil
Aloes need fast-draining soil to prevent rotting. Amend dense clay soil with compost and coarse sand or perlite. Or create raised beds for better drainage. Aim for a mix of 60% inorganic grit and 40% organic matter. Adjust soil pH to 6.0-7.0 if needed.
Planting Aloes Properly
Dig holes wider than the aloe’s root ball but no deeper. Set plants at the same level as they were growing in pots. Backfill with amended soil and water deeply after planting. Space smaller aloes 1-2 feet apart, larger specimens 3-6 feet apart.
Watering Aloes Effectively
Aloes are very drought tolerant once established. Water newly planted aloes regularly until their roots take hold. Then taper off to weekly deep watering for the first year. Mature plants only need infrequent soakings during the growing season when soil is bone dry.
Fertilizing Judiciously
Aloes are light feeders. Excess fertilizer can burn roots and leaves. Apply a balanced diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Or top-dress annually in spring with compost or slow-release pellet fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas.
Caring for Aloes Year-Round
Allow foliage to die back naturally in winter. Clean up dead leaves in spring. Watch for pests like scale insects and treat with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Prune flower stalks after blooming finishes. Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years to stimulate growth.
Propagating Aloes
Mature aloe plants produce offsets or “pups” around the base. These can be carefully removed with a sterilized knife once they reach 2-4 inches tall. Allow cuts to callous over. Then plant pups in sandy soil and water sparingly until established.
Growing Aloes in Containers
For patios and porches, aloes do well in containers. Use a quality potting mix and choose containers with drainage holes. Site containers in dappled shade areas. Keep soil slightly drier than in-ground plantings and fertilize monthly in season.
Protecting Aloes from Freezing
Container-grown aloes should be moved indoors or under cover when temperatures drop below 40°F. For in-ground plants, mound mulch around the base to insulate roots from frost. Avoid pruning or fertilizing during winter dormancy.
Troubleshooting Common Aloe Problems
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Brown leaf tips – Too much direct sun. Provide more shade.
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Leaf scorching – Exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures. Move plants to sheltered areas.
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Mushy stems and leaves – Overwatering issue. Allow soil to dry out completely before watering.
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Root rot – Improve drainage. Repot container plants in fresh mix. Don’t overwater.
Designing with Aloes in the Garden
There are many ways to incorporate the bold shapes and textures of aloes in your outdoor space:
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Plant aloes in rows along borders or beds for architectural interest.
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Tuck aloes into rocky areas and use them to fill gaps inhardscape.
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Surround aloe specimen plants with lower-growing succulents and annuals.
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Allow tree aloes to grow into striking focal points over time.
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Cluster container plantings of different aloe varieties together.
Common Questions about Outdoor Aloe Care
Growing aloe plants outdoors is rewarding but does require some specialized care. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions:
How much sun does aloe need outdoors?
Aloe thrives with 4-6 hours of direct sun but needs afternoon shade in very hot climates.
What type of soil should I plant aloes in?
A fast-draining mix of 60% grit and 40% organic matter works best. Amend clay soils.
How often do outdoor aloes need to be watered?
Water 1-2 times per week after planting, then taper off. Mature plants only need occasional deep soakings.
When should I fertilize my outdoor aloe plants?
Apply diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas.
How do I overwinter container aloes outdoors?
Move pots to sheltered areas once temps drop below 40°F. Stop fertilizing and limit water.
What causes yellow or brown tips on my aloe’s leaves?
This is usually a sign of sunburn. Try moving the plant to a spot with afternoon shade.
Can I prune my aloe plants back in winter?
No. Allow foliage to die back naturally to avoid har,m. Don’t prune or fertilize during dormancy.
How can I propagate new aloe plants for my garden?
Carefully remove offsets or “pups” at the base of mature plants. Allow to dry before replanting.
Creating Beautiful Outdoor Aloe Gardens
With some simple care and maintenance, aloe plants can transform outdoor spaces with their striking forms and succulent foliage. Proper planting, soil, watering and protection will keep garden aloes looking healthy and lush. Take advantage of aloes’ sculptural shapes in garden designs for beautiful architectural contrast. Follow these outdoor growing tips and enjoy a gorgeous aloe garden!
How to Harvest an Aloe Vera Plant
Besides providing pretty decoration, aloe leaves contain a clear gel thats a popular home remedy. According to the , this substance may shorten the healing of first- and second-degree burns and promote wound healing. Applying aloe gel to the skin could also help reduce acne and redness caused by mild to moderate psoriasis.
With this in mind, you can snip off an aloe leaf (as close to the stem as possible) when you need it and rub the juicy end on a sunburn or sore spot.
Some people also like to use aloe vera juice as a hair conditioner, makeup remover or even brow gel. While theres no guarantee itll work as well as some of your favorite products, you can get more of the juice by slitting the spike lengthwise and scooping out the contents with a spoon. As long as the plant stays healthy, itll just keep making more!Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Aloe Vera Plant Care Guide
Since overwatering is a common issue with aloe plant care, ensure the soil is completely dry before watering again. While fertilization isnt needed, you can fertilize plants once a year in the spring. When picking fertilizer, choose one that contains phosphorus — a nutrient that can help plants grow. It’s also important to make sure your aloe vera is getting enough sunlight. “Aloes grow in very hot environments. The more heat and sun the better,” says Stoffo.
As a bonus, your aloe will produce a tall stalk of small, bell-shaped flowers from time to time. Once the blooms fade, you can snip the stem off at the base.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below