Aloe vera care
Aloe vera needs direct sun. Check the soil before you water.
This is general care advice. Check the label of your plant. Keep toxic plants away from pets and children.
Add to my plantsCare at a glance
- Botanical name
- Aloe vera
- Other names
- Aloe, True aloe
- Light
- Direct sun. Put it at a sunny south or west window. It needs at least 4 to 6 hours of bright light each day.
- Soil check
- Every 14 to 21 days in the growing season. The app learns the real time.
- Humidity
- Normal room air is fine
- Feeding
- Feed rarely. Once or twice a year is enough. Do not feed in winter.
How to check the soil of Aloe vera
How does the soil feel near the bottom of the pot?
Push a wooden skewer or a pencil to the bottom of the pot. Pull it out. Look at it and feel it.
- Dry: the skewer is clean and dry, all the way down. Water the plant.
- Damp: the skewer has a little dark soil on the lower part. Do not water yet.
- Wet: the skewer is dark and wet, with soil that sticks to it. Do not water. Check the drainage.
Do not water on a fixed day. Test the soil first. Read the soil check guide.
Soil mix
Use cactus mix. Add perlite or coarse sand and use a pot with drain holes.
Tips for Aloe vera
- Thin, bent leaves mean low light. Move the plant to a sunnier window.
- Soft, brown leaves mean too much water. Let the soil dry fully.
- Pups grow at the base. Remove them with roots and plant them in their own pots.
Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it away from pets and children.
ASPCA: Aloe (Aloe vera)