Aloe vera plant care guide
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a sun-loving succulent with thick, spiky leaves full of soothing gel. It's easy to grow on a sunny windowsill, as long as you give it plenty of light and resist watering it too often.
This guide covers light, watering, soil, winter care, the most common aloe vera plant problems, and how to separate and replant pups.
Bright, indirect light · Direct sun
Every 2 to 3 weeks
Easy
Not pet-safe
Where to water it
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
When: When the soil is completely dry. Water deeply, then wait.
Where to put it
Your sunniest window.
Common mistakes
- Watering weekly
- Low light, which makes it floppy
- Regular potting soil instead of cactus mix
Aloe vera care at a glance
Aloe vera plant care indoors.
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright light with some direct sun. |
| Water | When the soil is completely dry, about every 2 to 3 weeks. |
| Temperature | 55°F to 85°F. |
| Humidity | Low. Dry indoor air is ideal. |
| Soil | Cactus or succulent mix. |
| Pot | Terracotta with a drainage hole. |
| Fertilizer | Succulent fertilizer once or twice in spring and summer. |
| Pets | Toxic to cats and dogs. |
How much light does aloe vera need?
Aloe vera grows best in bright light with a few hours of direct sun, like a south or west window. In low light, it stretches, the leaves flop over, and it grows pale.
Move aloe into stronger sun gradually. A sudden move from a dim room to full sun turns the leaves brown, red or orange from sunburn.
How to water an aloe vera plant
Water deeply, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again: about every 2 to 3 weeks in spring and summer and once a month or less in winter. Always let excess water drain away.
Overwatering is the main cause of aloe vera problems. Firm, plump leaves mean the plant is well watered. Thin, curling leaves mean it's thirsty. Soft, mushy or translucent leaves mean too much water.
Aloe vera winter care
In winter, aloe barely grows. Water about once a month, don't fertilize, and give it your sunniest window. Keep it above 50°F and away from cold glass. Indoors under a grow light also works well.
Common aloe vera plant problems
How to fix the most common aloe vera plant problems.
- Soft, mushy leaves or base: overwatering and root rot. Unpot, cut away rotten roots, let it dry for a few days, then replant in dry cactus mix.
- Droopy, flopping leaves: too little light or too much water.
- Brown, red or orange leaves: sunburn or stress from too much sudden sun, cold, or very dry roots.
- Thin, curling leaves: thirsty. Water deeply.
- Brown, dry tips: normal with age, or long dry spells.
- Brown spots: fungus from wet leaves, or scale insects.
How to separate and repot aloe vera pups
Healthy aloe plants send up small offshoots, called pups, around the base. Separate them in spring or summer once they're about 3 to 4 inches tall with a few leaves of their own.
Remove the whole plant from its pot, gently pull or cut the pup away with some roots attached, and let it dry for a day or two. Plant each pup in its own small pot of dry cactus mix and wait about a week before watering.
Repot the mother plant every 2 to 3 years, or when pups crowd the pot. Use a wide, shallow terracotta pot just slightly bigger than the root ball. Aloe is top-heavy, so a heavy pot keeps it upright.
Outdoor aloe vera care
Aloe vera grows outdoors all year in USDA zones 9 to 11, in full sun to part shade and sandy, fast-draining soil. In very hot climates, a little afternoon shade prevents sunburn. Elsewhere, it can summer outdoors and come in before nights drop below 50°F. Frost turns the leaves to mush.
Aloe and other succulents are a smart choice for sunny offices and homes that want low-maintenance greenery. Leafstruck handles the watering schedule so they never rot.
Residential plant serviceYour Aloe Vera watering schedule
Every 18 days · about every 3 weeks
Water the soil
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
Check first: When the soil is completely dry. Water deeply, then wait.
Aloe Vera prefers bright, indirect light or direct sun. In medium light it will struggle whatever the watering.
Schedules are a starting point. Always check the soil before you water. Full Aloe Vera care guide
Too many plants to keep track of? We water them for you.
Aloe Vera questions
How do you care for an aloe vera plant indoors?
Put it in your sunniest window, water deeply only when the soil is completely dry, and use cactus mix in a terracotta pot with drainage.
How often should I water an aloe vera plant?
About every 2 to 3 weeks in spring and summer and once a month or less in winter.
Why are my aloe vera leaves turning brown?
Sunburn from a sudden move into strong sun, cold, or very dry roots. Mushy brown leaves mean overwatering.
Why is my aloe vera plant drooping?
Usually too little light or too much water. Move it brighter and let the soil dry out.
How do I separate aloe vera pups?
Unpot the plant, pull or cut each pup away with roots, let it dry for a day or two, then plant it in dry cactus mix.
Can aloe vera live outside?
Yes, in USDA zones 9 to 11. Elsewhere, bring it in before nights drop below 50°F.
Is aloe vera toxic to pets?
Yes. Aloe vera can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats and dogs.
Low-maintenance greenery, done right
Leafstruck installs succulents, aloe and other sun-loving plants in offices and homes and maintains them on the right schedule.
Plants that like the same light
Test what you know
Water It Right game
Ten plants, two questions each: how often, and where does the water go?
GameFind the Right Spot game
Place each plant in the room where it will thrive, from sunny windows to windowless hallways.
QuizPlant matcher quiz
Answer five questions about your light, space and style to get three plants that will thrive.