I highly recommend the Aloe vera plant to anyone considering getting one. It is a popular, easy-to-care-for succulent known for its medicinal and healing properties.
Aloe Vera Care
Thanks to its resilience and low maintenance, it’s a perfect houseplant for beginners and plant enthusiasts alike.
In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know about growing, maintaining, and enjoying the benefits of a healthy aloe vera plant.
Aloe Vera Basics
Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis miller, is a succulent from the Asphodelaceae family, native to the Arabian Peninsula but commonly found in tropical climates worldwide.
Known for its thick, fleshy leaves containing a gel that has healing properties, aloe vera is cherished for its drought tolerance.
Choosing the Right Aloe Vera Plant
There are many aloe varieties, but Aloe barbadensis is the one most commonly grown for medicinal purposes.
Other types, such as Aloe aristata and Aloe humilis, are ornamental but do not contain the same level of beneficial gel.
Look for plants with firm, plump leaves that are free of blemishes, brown spots, or wilting. Avoid plants with any signs of root rot, which may appear as mushy stems or dark, waterlogged roots.
Planting Aloe Vera
Aloe vera grows best in a well-draining pot with drainage holes. Terra cotta pots are ideal as they allow for better airflow, reducing the risk of water retention and root rot.
Choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the root ball to avoid waterlogged soil.
Aloe vera requires a sandy, well-draining soil mix. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal, but you can also make your own by mixing potting soil with perlite or coarse sand in a 1:1 ratio. Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive soils.
Watering Aloe Vera
Aloe vera plants should be watered deeply but infrequently. In warmer months, water approximately every 2–3 weeks.
Water once every 4–6 weeks is usually sufficient during the colder months.
Overwatered aloe vera may show signs like mushy leaves and browning, while an underwatered plant will develop wrinkled or shriveled leaves. Adjust watering based on these cues.
Always water aloe vera at the soil level, avoiding water on the leaves to prevent rot. Ensure the water drains completely through the pot.
Providing Adequate Sunlight
Aloe vera prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Ideally, place it in a south- or west-facing window where it can receive at least 6–8 hours of light.
For indoor plants, supplement with artificial grow lights if natural light is limited. Outdoor plants should be gradually exposed to full sun to avoid sunburn.
Brown or red leaves indicate too much sunlight, while pale, elongated leaves indicate insufficient light. Adjust light exposure based on these symptoms.
Temperature
Aloe vera naturally thrives in warm, arid environments. It prefers temperatures between 55°F to 80°F (13°C to 27°C) and does not tolerate frost well.
Growing aloe in conditions similar to its native habitat helps ensure it thrives indoors or out.
Fertilizing Aloe Vera
Fertilize aloe vera sparingly. I recommend only once or twice during the growing season (spring and summer). Too much fertilizer can harm the plant.
Use a diluted, balanced succulent fertilizer or a low-nitrogen formula at half-strength.
Excessive fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil, damaging the roots. If you notice a white crust on the soil, consider flushing it with water to remove salts and reduce fertilization.
Repotting Aloe Vera
Aloe vera generally needs repotting every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot. Repotting refreshes the soil and allows more space for root growth.
Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil. Place it in a slightly larger pot filled with fresh cactus mix.
Firm the soil around the roots, and avoid watering for the first week to reduce transplant shock. Handle the plant carefully to avoid breaking leaves, and let it settle before exposing it to direct sunlight.
Propagating Aloe Vera
Propagation is most successful in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Propagating via Offsets (Pups): Aloe vera produces pups, or small offshoots, around its base.
To propagate, gently separate the pup from the mother plant with a sterilized knife and let it dry for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil.
Propagating from Leaf Cuttings: Although less effective, leaf cuttings can be rooted.
Cut a healthy leaf, allow it to callous for a few days, and plant it in dry soil. Water sparingly until roots form.
Pests and Diseases
Aloe vera can be attacked by common pests including mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites.
Wipe leaves with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove pests. In case the pest infestation is more severe, use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Aloe is also prone to root rot, which if left unchecked can lead to the death of the plant.
To prevent root rot, water your plant properly and ensure the pot is allowing for drainage and not promoting water logging.
Troubleshooting Leaf Issues
- Brown, yellow, or mushy leaves often signal overwatering,
- Wrinkled leaves indicate dehydration.
- Pale, stretched leaves suggest the plant needs more light.
Seasonal Aloe Vera Care
Winter Care Tips: In winter, reduce watering and move the plant to a spot with indirect sunlight. Keep it away from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Summer Care Tips: In hot weather, aloe vera may require more frequent watering, especially if kept outdoors. Monitor for sunburn and move to partial shade if necessary.
Indoor and Outdoor Seasonal Adjustments: Gradually acclimate outdoor plants to indoor conditions in the fall and back to outdoor conditions in the spring to prevent shock.
Harvesting Aloe Vera Gel
To harvest aloe vera gel, begin by selecting a mature plant, ideally three years old or older, as this ensures the gel has fully developed beneficial properties.
Choose a thick, healthy outer leaf, as these contain the most gel, and use a clean, sharp knife to cut it close to the base.
Once cut, rinse the leaf to remove any dirt and let it sit upright for a few minutes to allow the yellow, bitter latex to drain away (as this can be an irritant to some).
Next, peel away the tough outer skin carefully to reveal the clear, jelly-like gel inside.
Scoop out the gel with a spoon or knife and put it in a clean container. Apply the gel directly to burns, cuts, or dry skin for soothing, moisturizing relief.
You can also use it as a natural ingredient in homemade skin care and hair care mask recipes.
You can also blend the gel into smoothies, and juices or add it to drinking water. It contains vitamins and antioxidants that can support digestion and immune health.
However, be sure to use it in moderation, as it can have a laxative effect.
Store any unused gel in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Any stored gel will keep fresh for up to a week.
10 Benefits of Aloe Vera Water
Hydration Boost: Aloe vera water is rich in water content, helping to keep you hydrated and energized throughout the day.
Aids Digestion: The enzymes in aloe vera support healthy digestion by breaking down sugars and fats, which can help prevent issues like bloating.
Supports Skin Health: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, aloe vera can help improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging when consumed regularly.
Boosts Immunity: Aloe vera contains immune-boosting compounds that help the body fight off infections and inflammation.
Detoxifies the Body: Its natural compounds aid in flushing out toxins, which can promote overall health and energy levels.
Reduces Inflammation: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease joint pain and reduce inflammation in the body.
Improves Heart Health: Studies suggest that aloe vera can help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promoting cardiovascular health.
Balances Blood Sugar: Aloe vera may help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people managing diabetes.
Promotes Oral Health: It contains compounds that can reduce plaque buildup and support gum health when taken orally.
Supports Weight Loss: As a low-calorie, nutrient-rich beverage, aloe vera water can be a helpful addition to weight management plans.
Interesting Posts:
Final Thoughts
I love growing aloe vera because its care is straightforward. This is an ideal plant for beginners because it is hard to kill.
I hope now you know how to care for your aloe vera plant and keep it thriving for many years.
If you love growing plants subscribe to my mailing newsletter and also save the Pinterest pin below to receive plant care guides.
