Aloe Vera Plant Care

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) belongs to the Asphodelaceae family within the Aloe genus. Aloe Vera is native to Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. Aloe Vera is also known as Medicinal Aloe, True Aloe, Burn Plant.

Aloe Vera displays a rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Aloe Vera produces yellow, tubular, tall inflorescence.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Aloe Vera every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Aloe Vera thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Aloe Vera in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Aloe vera tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Aloe Vera prefers humidity levels of 30–50%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Aloe Vera to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Aloe Vera every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Aloe Vera is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Aloe Vera can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Aloe Vera while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Aloe Vera is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Aloe Vera can be propagated through offsets or stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to coral aloe plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Aloe Vera is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Aloe Vera grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Aloe Vera is native to Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. In cooler regions, grow Aloe Vera as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.