What Is an Aloe Plant’s Temperature Tolerance?

The Aloe vera plant is a resilient and widely recognized succulent, often kept as a low-maintenance houseplant. While durable, its health is closely tied to the surrounding temperature. Understanding its specific temperature requirements helps ensure the plant remains healthy and avoids environmental stress.

Ideal Temperature Range for Aloe

Originating from the arid climates of the Arabian Peninsula, the aloe plant is best suited for warm and dry conditions. It functions best within a daytime temperature range of 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 27 degrees Celsius). This temperature window supports the plant’s metabolic processes, allowing it to grow efficiently. Indoor room temperatures often fall within this ideal range, making it a suitable houseplant.

A slight drop in temperature during the night is natural for the aloe plant and mimics its native habitat. Nighttime temperatures can dip slightly lower than the daytime range without causing harm. This fluctuation is a normal part of its environmental cycle.

Aloe Vera Cold Tolerance

Aloe vera is not a cold-hardy plant and shows signs of distress when temperatures drop too low. It can suffer damage when exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods. The plant is not frost-tolerant, and exposure to freezing temperatures can be fatal because the water stored in its succulent leaves will freeze.

When the water inside the plant’s cells freezes, it expands and forms ice crystals that rupture the cell walls. This damage is often irreversible and leads to visible symptoms. The first signs of cold damage include the leaves becoming soft and mushy, developing a translucent appearance, turning dark, and becoming limp as their internal structure collapses.

Aloe Vera Heat Tolerance

Just as it is sensitive to cold, aloe vera can also be damaged by excessive heat. While adapted to warm climates, it has its limits. Sustained temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can cause heat stress, and when temperatures consistently exceed 90°F (32°C), the plant may show more pronounced damage.

High heat can cause the plant to lose water more quickly than it can absorb it, leading to dehydration. Signs of heat stress include the leaves turning yellow, brown, or reddish. The leaves might also appear thin and begin to curl inward or wrinkle as the plant tries to conserve moisture. A common sign is sunburn, which appears as dark or bleached spots on the leaves.

Protecting Aloe from Temperature Extremes

Preventing Cold Damage

For potted aloes, the simplest prevention is to bring them indoors before the first frost is expected. Place the plant in a bright location, such as near a south-facing window, but avoid drafty areas. During winter, the plant enters a dormant state and requires less water, so reducing watering helps prevent root rot in cold, wet soil.

For aloes planted in the ground in climates with occasional frost, you can provide protection. Covering the plant with a frost cloth or a lightweight blanket can trap heat and shield it from light frost. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant also helps insulate the roots from freezing ground temperatures.

Preventing Heat Damage

To protect an outdoor aloe plant from extreme heat, providing shade during the hottest part of the day is beneficial. Planting it in a location where it receives morning sun but is shielded from the intense afternoon sun can prevent sunburn. Good air circulation around the plant also helps. During heatwaves, you may need to adjust your watering schedule, but always allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Care After Damage

If an aloe plant has sustained temperature damage, some steps can help it recover. For cold damage, bring the plant to a warm spot immediately and assess the leaves. Use a clean, sharp tool to prune away any leaves that are mushy or black, as this can prevent rot from spreading. For heat-damaged plants, move them to a location with less direct sunlight. After pruning, give the plant time to recover and wait to see if new growth emerges from the center before discarding the plant.