How to Grow and Care for Aloe Plants

The aloe plant, Aloe barbadensis miller, is a popular succulent recognized for its fleshy leaves arranged in a basal rosette. It has become a common houseplant due to its attractive appearance and reputation for being low-maintenance. As a succulent from hot, dry parts of the world, it stores water within its spiky, serrated leaves.

Essential Aloe Plant Care

Light

Proper lighting is a significant factor in maintaining a healthy aloe plant. These succulents flourish in bright, natural light. For indoor cultivation, placing the plant in a window with bright, indirect sunlight is ideal; south or west-facing windows are often suitable. While they need plenty of light, direct sun can be too intense and scorch the tender leaves. If you notice leaves turning red or brown, it’s an indication of too much direct sun exposure, and the plant should be moved to a location with less intense light.

Water

The “soak and dry” method is highly effective for aloe. This involves watering the soil thoroughly until water runs out the drainage hole, then allowing the soil to dry out completely before the next watering. This means watering every two to three weeks during the spring and summer.

In the fall and winter, watering frequency should be reduced significantly, as the plant goes dormant. A good way to check if it’s time to water is to feel the top few inches of the soil; if it’s dry, you can water. Wrinkled or puckered leaves can be a sign of underwatering, while pale or mushy leaves often indicate the opposite.

Soil and Potting

These plants require a well-draining potting mix, such as those formulated for cacti and succulents, containing perlite, coarse sand, or lava rock. A terracotta pot is recommended as its porous nature helps the soil dry out more evenly.

When potting, choose a container that is about as wide as it is deep and has at least one drainage hole. Repotting is needed every two to three years or when the plant has outgrown its container.

Temperature and Humidity

Mimicking the aloe’s native arid environment is beneficial for its growth. They prefer temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. While they can be moved outdoors in the summer, they should be brought inside if temperatures are expected to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Aloe plants are well-suited to dry air and do not require any additional humidity; a relative humidity of around 40% is considered perfect.

Fertilizer

Aloe plants are adapted to nutrient-poor desert soil and generally do not require much fertilizer. In most cases, they can thrive without any feeding at all. However, if you wish to support vibrant growth, especially for potted plants, a single feeding in the spring can be beneficial. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, such as a 10-40-10 formula, diluted to half-strength.

Propagating Aloe Plants

Propagating aloe is done by using the small offsets, often called “pups,” that grow from the base of the mature mother plant. These pups are new, smaller plants that can be separated and potted.

To begin, identify a pup that has several of its own leaves. Carefully remove it from the mother plant by digging away some soil to expose the connection point, then use a clean, sharp knife to sever the pup. After separation, let the offset sit out of the soil for a few days to allow the cut area to form a callus, which helps protect the new plant from rot when it is potted.

Once the callus has formed, plant it in a well-draining succulent mix, ensuring the pot has a drainage hole. Place the newly potted aloe in a sunny spot and wait at least a week before watering. This allows it time to establish new roots and reduces the risk of rot.

Harvesting and Using Aloe Gel

To harvest gel, begin by choosing a mature, thick leaf from the outer sections of the plant and use a clean, sharp knife to cut the leaf close to the plant’s base. Once the leaf is harvested, hold it upright to allow a yellow, latex-like substance called aloin to drain out. This substance is found just beneath the leaf’s skin and can be irritating. After the aloin has drained, lay the leaf flat, slice off the serrated edges, and then slice the leaf open lengthwise to expose the clear, inner gel.

The clear gel can be scooped out and is used to soothe minor sunburns, skin irritations, and scrapes, or as a moisturizer. It is important to note that the gel and latex should not be ingested. The plant should also be kept away from pets, as it can be toxic if they chew on the leaves.

Troubleshooting Common Aloe Issues

Observing the leaves is the best way to diagnose a problem.

• If you notice the leaves are becoming yellow or mushy, it is a strong indicator of overwatering. Reduce your watering frequency and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.
• If the leaves appear wrinkled or shriveled, the plant is likely very dry and needs water. Water lightly over a few days rather than saturating the soil all at once.
• Brown and crispy leaf tips often suggest the plant is either underwatered or receiving too much direct, intense sunlight, causing sun scorch.
• Leggy or stretched growth, where the plant appears elongated and weak, is a clear sign of insufficient light. Move your aloe to a location where it can receive more bright, indirect sunlight.