How to Care for an Aloe Vera Plant
- Lighting: Place in bright, indirect sunlight or artificial light. A western or southern window is ideal. Aloe that are kept in low light often grow leggy.
- Temperature: Aloe vera do best in temperatures between 55 and 80°F (13 and 27°C). The temperatures of most homes and apartments are ideal. From May to September, you can bring your plant outdoors without any problems, but do bring it back inside in the evening if nights are cold.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly (no more than once a month), and only in the spring and summer with a balanced houseplant formula mixed at ½ strength.
- Repotting: Repot when root bound, following the instructions given in “Planting,” above.
Watering Aloe Vera
Watering is the most difficult part of keeping aloe vera healthy, but it’s certainly not rocket science! The aloe is a succulent plant that’s accustomed to arid environments, but its thick leaves still need sufficient water nonetheless.
- Water aloe vera plants deeply, but infrequently. In other words, the soil should feel moist after watering, but should be allowed to dry out to some extent before you water again. If the soil stays overly wet, the plant’s roots can rot.
- To ensure that you’re not overwatering your plant, allow the top third of potting soil to dry out between waterings. For example, if your plant is kept in 6 inches of potting soil, allow the top 2 inches to dry out before watering again. (Use your finger to test the dryness of the soil.)
- Generally speaking, plan to water your aloe plant about every 2-3 weeks in the spring and summer and even more sparingly during the fall and winter. One rule of thumb for fall and winter watering is to roughly double the amount of time between waterings (as compared to your summer watering schedule). In other words, if you water every two weeks in summer, water every four weeks in winter.
- When watering, some excess water may run out the bottom of the pot. Let the pot sit in this water so that the soil absorbs as much as possible. Wait 10-15 minutes, then dump any remaining water.
Removing & Replanting Aloe Vera Offsets (Pups)
Mature aloe vera plants often produce offsets—also known as plantlets, pups, or “babies”—that can be removed to produce an entirely new plant (a clone of the mother plant, technically).
- Find where the offsets are attached to the mother plant and separate them using pruning shears, scissors, or a sharp knife. Leave at least an inch of stem on the offset.
- Allow the offsets to sit out of soil for several days; this lets the offset form a callous over the cut, which helps to protect it from rot. Keep the offsets in a warm location with indirect light during this time.
- Once the offsets have formed callouses, pot them in a standard succulent potting mix. The soil should be well-draining.
- Put the newly-potted pups in a sunny location. Wait at least a week to water and keep the soil on the dry side.
How to Get Your Aloe Vera to Flower
Mature aloe vera plants occasionally produce a tall flower spike—called an inflorescence—from which dozens of tubular yellow or red blossoms appear. This certainly adds another level of interest to the already lovely aloe!
Unfortunately, a bloom is rarely achievable with aloes that are kept as houseplants, since the plant requires nearly ideal conditions to produce flowers: lots of light, sufficient water, and the right temperature range. Due to these requirements (mainly lighting), aloe flowers are usually only seen on plants grown outdoors year-round in warm climates.
To give your aloe the best shot at flowering:
- Provide it with as much light as possible, especially during spring and summer. Aloes can be kept outdoors in full sun during the summer, when temperatures are above 70°F (21°C). If nighttime temps threaten to drop below 60°F (16°C), bring the aloe inside.
- Note: Don’t move your aloe from indoors to full sun right away; it needs time to adjust to the intense light or it may sunburn. Allow it to sit in partial shade for about a week before moving it to a brighter location.
- Make sure the plant is getting the right amount of water—enough to keep it from drying out completely, but not enough to drown it! If the plant’s being kept outdoors, make sure that it’s not getting consistently soaked by summer rains.
- Give your aloe a proper dormancy period in the fall and winter. Aloe tend to bloom in late winter or early spring, so giving them a period of rest consisting of less frequent watering and cooler temperatures may encourage them to flower.
- Don’t be surprised if it still doesn’t flower. Despite our best efforts, indoor conditions just aren’t ideal for most aloes, so don’t be surprised if yours simply refuses to bloom!
Reader Comments
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two aloe growing in one pot
If there are two plants in a pot, it’s best to separate them. Carefully remove the plants from the pot and see if you can gently pull them apart. Make sure the roots look healthy. Plant in separate pots in new fresh soil.
Aloe plant
Have a aloe that is approx 2 years - has been doing great with south exposure but recently the the leaves are curling ( or rolling in) . Also they do not seem nice n plump and the new growth is not the vibriant green as before .
Overwatering ? Under watering ?
PS- I believe my soil mix is good
winter care for aloe
As noted below, In winter, bring the plant indoors and keep is away from windows that might be drafty. Resist the urge to put it in a sunny window; instead put it on a well-lit table. Also, do not overwater. Let it go dry between waterings; root rot and cold shock are common problems in winter.
Your plant may already have root rot; discoloration of the leaves is an almost-sure sign. Stop watering, set in light as advised above and/or give it southern exposure. If you can nurse it through the winter, it may come back to its full glory in the spring and summer.
NEWBE PLANT OWNER
I just bought a aloe vera plant. How often do I give it plant food? do I mix the plant food with water? When do I know it's time to pull or cut a leaf off so I can use the the aloe inside??? please help me?? I want my Charlie (my plant) to live.
Aloe advice
Aloe vera plants do not ask for much: They thrive in poor soil (cacti mix is good) in a pot with a large drainage hole and require little water and no food. Only water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, then water well, letting most of the water drain out the bottom. Note that it is a tropical plant that appreciates warm temperatures and bright light, such as in a south or west facing window.
Assuming the plant is healthy and thriving, you can remove a 1-inch wide portion of leaf with a knife; allow the open area to “scab” over. Apply “sap” to the affected area of an insect bite or minor burn.
We hope this helps.
Aloe vera plants
Do all aloe vera plants give the same type of gel inside the leaves ?
Aloe leaves bending in half
Hi, i have a large happy mother plant but my pups leaves always bend in half and don't recover. The plants continue to grow etc but why do they always bend in half please?
Aloe use
Hello, I've just recently acquired an aloe plant which seems to be doing quite well. I am wondering if there is a particular time in the stage of the leave, where it is most beneficial for the skin. In other words, is there a particular "ripe" stage to get the most out of its healing properties? Thank you for your time.
To heavy Aloe
I have an Aloe that is about 2' tall and have massive heavy leaves. My problem is that it is starting to tip over in its pot and I'm afraid of the pot tipping over because of so much weight on the side of the pot. How deep of a pot do I need for an aloe this size and how do I keep it upright?
I have the same problem!!
I have the same problem!!
I had this problem, I bought
I had this problem, I bought a 4" and it came in a 4" pot, almost immediately I had to replant it in a 6" put because it was tipping over constantly and will need to replant in a larger pot soon. I'm not an expert but this worked for me! Hope it helps
not much root system
although I think my aloe vera plant seems to be doing ok, I have always noted it never seems to have much root system. in fact many times I barely touch and it falls out of the soil, i usual just pop it back into the soil and it just sits there....doesnt die, just sits there.... is that normal for it
growing aloe vera
Aloe vera does indeed have very shallow, horizontal roots. Make sure have loose (not compact) potting soil or a nice mixture of garden soil and sand. Get those roots back into the soil but do not bury any of the leaves. You might have to prop up your plant to get it to take.
Friendly plants for a lonely aloe plant.
I am interested in learning if I can pot another plant with my aloe plant. I like the permaculture model of gardening and need suggestions for plants with same water and light requirements. Thank you.
Aloe Companion Plants
Try other succulents like sedum, euphorbia, scenicio, or agave. Just be sure to plant them into a pot big enough to accommodate each plant’s root zone.
First timer
Hello, I've never grown an aloe, or have any idea what I'm doing when it comes to caring for one. My dad gave me what I think was a "pup" and it grew, once I was home I left it out doors and since it's been in the sun it got sun burned. I cut off any dead or burned leaves and now I think I should re-pot because the pot it was given to me in is very small. I've been reading comments and I see I should get some cacti mix, right? Should I plant it at the level of the lowest leaf? Please help!
Yes, plant it so the bottom
Yes, plant it so the bottom of the lowest leaf is just barely touching soil. And don't worry too much about sunburn -- the plant is good at healing itself. In the future, don't cut off the burn leaves, but let the plant prune itself -- whatever leaves are too burnt to survive will generally shrivel and fall off the plant. Succulent soil or cactus soil is also a good bet, but if you can't find any, you can also use a 50/50 mix of regular potting soil and coarse sand, such as builder's sand. Avoid finer sands like play sand, as those tend to retain moisture instead of making the soil mix drier (and we want dry soil for aloes!) Good luck with your plant!
aloe
My aloe plant is called Oscar. He has beautiful thick long leaves. He is usually on top of my upper cupboard close to the ceiling. Recently, I noticed that he is turning white. His leaves are also looking funny. Is it because of not enough sunlight? His leaves are practically white. The outer layer of the larger leaves seems to be blending into the same fluid color as that of inside the leaf. Help me save my aloe!
Help for Oscar
What a great name for your aloe! I’m wondering if he might be getting white because he needs nutrients. When was the last time you had added fertilizer, or had repotted in new soil? Aloes don’t like a lot of fertilizer, and this is best done in spring. Right now, Oscar should be winding down, getting ready for a winter nap, and doesn’t need (or respond well to) the extra energy boost (and also his water intake is less). If you think it might be fertilizer, keep an eye on the plant condition – if it seems to be getting worse, then you can add just a touch of diluted (half the strength that is recommended on the product) liquid fertilizer of 10-40-10 mix, but if you think it can wait until spring, then I’d suggest that. Fertilizing in winter can lead to fertilizer burn or shock, so be very sparing if you do add some. (Repotting is best done during the growing season as well, after the plant breaks dormancy.) Also, as you say, make sure that your aloe is getting plenty of indirect sunlight; if Oscar’s leaves are lying flat, it might be a symptom of too little light. On the other hand, sometimes aloes can change color during dormancy - perhaps it is just Oscar’s way of indicating that he’d like a little downtime for a while. Hope he feels better soon!
in door aloe plant
my aloe plant in turning white. new leaves are practically white. the outer layer of the larger leaves seems to be blending into the same fluid color as that of inside the leaf. help me save my aloe.
My Aloe plant died I can I
My Aloe plant died I can I get the leaf to grow roots?
ALOE VERA Leaves are BROW/RED ? ? & it's NOT GROWIN. ? ?
Why my OUTDOOR ~ ALOE VERA Leaves are BROWN / RED - Color & is NOT GROWING ANY MORE? ? ? ? ? ( DON'T PRODUCE ANY FLOWERS and the Leaves are NOT LOOKING HEALTHY ANY MORE. ? ? ? ?
How can I make it Grow HEALTHY & GREENER & QUICK FRESH LEAVES
Where is the best place to keep it during the COLD & WINDY & WET + FROZEN ~LONG-WINTER DAY'S
Yours Sincerely loving
The GARDENING ♥ GRANNY ♥
Aloe vera in winter
In winter, bring the plant indoors and keep is away from windows that might be drafty. Resist the urge to put it in a sunny window; instead put it on a well-lit table. Also, do not overwater. Let it go dry between waterings; root rot and cold shock are common problems in winter.
Your plant may already have root rot; discoloration of the leaves is an almost-sure sign. Stop watering, set in light as advised above and/or give it southern exposure. If oyu can nurse it through the winter, it may come back to its full glory in the spring and summer.
We hope this helps!
Bought second hand, kind of droopy.
I have been reading through the comments and replies to see how to properly take care of my new, secondhand aloe plant. My question is how long should the aloe plant get indirect sunlight a day? also some of the leaves are droopy and the plant itself does not seem to be in the soil correctly. Should I replant or should i just try to stick the plant back into the soil? I would really like the plant to thrive because I have a small daughter and I know i am going to be using the plant often. I also burn easy. Please help!
Long floppy leaves comeback after several repots
I bought a tiny Aloe Vera plant in a drug store 3 or so years ago. It has only grown 6-8 leaves at the max. They are thin, long (8"-10") and floppy or flatten out or have rottened off, etc. I have replanted several times in different pots as these things have happened. I use cactus soil. I only water when soil is at least 1-2" down dry. I used some fertilizer (that said it was ok for it) this spring. It gets indirect sun. I tried tying up the leaves but they never get where after about 6" they will stand up. I finally took it outside in indirect sunlight and it grew a couple more leaves this summer but they stayed floppy. I have now brought it back inside. The leaves are still floppy. A few of them are empty at the ends. I don't know how to make it a full plant!!! Are the thin and floppy leaves just the type of aloe vera plant???? HELP please!!!! Thank you!
Floppy Aloe
Hmm. It could be that part of the problem was that it does not have enough light when indoors (hence, the growing of more leaves when it was outside). You might provide supplemental light indoors to increase the hours, or change to a brighter window that gets indirect light (perhaps gradually, to let the plant get used to the increased light). However, the floppiness may also suggest a watering issue, although it sounds like you are doing about the right amount. You might experiment a little with the watering–the deflated tips may indicate too little water; try increasing the frequency just a tiny bit for a few weeks. Keep in mind, though, that the plant will not want as much water during winter. Good luck!
I have a big one for years
Can my momma plant root be cut back safely when I repot her. I have had her long time it also flowered last year. I don't want to hurt it
If you are re-potting the
If you are re-potting the “mama,” just clear away the old soil from the roots. Don’t cut the root. You do want to cut any “pups” from the main plant. The mama plant should be re-potted with the lowest leaves at the soil level, i.e., with the bare stem buried.
Outdoor visits
I know that with Ivy they will just blossom (well not technically) if given 25% of their time to outside indirect sunlight above 45°. Are there any rules like this that apply to Aloe?
When is it time for aloe to change the different pot?
How can I know when it is time to change aloe Vera plant from a small pot to bigger pot? The aloe is growing bigger but I am not sure when it is time to re potting it. I am worried if the roots might not have enough space to grow?
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