Aloe Vera
The succulent everyone keeps for burns. Thick, toothed leaves full of gel, a plant that wants sun and almost no water, and pups freely once it is settled. Not one for a house with a curious cat.
Aloe grows outdoors here without anyone touching it, which tells you most of what you need to know. Indoors it wants the sunniest sill you have, a gritty pot, and water only when the soil has been dry for a while.
It is the plant people kill with kindness. A wet aloe rots from the base in a week; a dry one waits a month and does not notice.
Light
Full sun, or as close as you can get. A south or west window with several hours of direct light keeps the leaves thick and upright. In too little light the leaves stretch, flatten and lean. Move it into brighter sun gradually to avoid sunburn, which shows as brown or reddish patches.
Water
Water deeply, then leave it until the soil is completely dry and then some. Every two to three weeks in summer, monthly or less in winter. The leaves store everything. Wrinkled, thin leaves mean it is genuinely thirsty; soft, translucent leaves mean it is rotting.
Soil and potting
A cactus and succulent mix, or potting soil cut half and half with perlite or pumice. Terracotta is ideal. Repot every couple of years or when pups crowd the pot, going up one size.
Feeding
A half-strength succulent feed every ten weeks in spring and summer at most. It needs very little.
Propagation
Pups. A settled aloe produces small plants around the base; when one is a few inches tall, unpot, separate it with some roots, let the cut dry for a day, and pot it up. Do not water for a week.
In a hot, dry home
Native to this kind of climate. Dry air, heat and hard sun are all fine; it is the plant we point people to for a hot west window. The only risk indoors here is a summer sill that gets so hot the pot bakes; terracotta and a saucer help.
Problems and fixes
Leaves soft, brown and mushy at the base
Likely cause: Overwatering and rot
Fix: Unpot, remove rotten leaves and roots, let the plant dry for a few days, then repot in dry gritty mix.
Leaves flat, thin and leaning
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move into direct sun gradually over two weeks.
Brown or reddish patches
Likely cause: Sunburn after a sudden move into strong sun
Fix: Acclimatise gradually. The marks stay but new leaves come in clean.
Wrinkled, curling leaves
Likely cause: Thirst, after a long gap
Fix: Water deeply. It plumps up within days.
Aloe Vera questions
Is aloe vera toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. The latex just under the skin contains saponins that cause vomiting and lethargy if chewed. Keep it on a high sunny sill.
How often should I water aloe vera?
Every two to three weeks in summer and about monthly in winter, only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is the main way aloe dies.
Can I use the gel from my aloe plant?
Yes. Cut an outer leaf near the base, let the yellow latex drain for a few minutes, then use the clear inner gel on skin. Do not eat it.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Jade Plant
- Light
- Bright indirect to direct sun
- Water
- Every 2 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
Snake Plant
- Light
- Low to direct sun
- Water
- Every 3 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
