Aloe Vera

Aloe vera · Succulent

A thick-leaved succulent that stores water in its gel-filled leaves. It thrives on neglect more than on attention, and the usual way to lose one is too much water. Mature plants send up offsets you can pot on.

Care at a glance

Light

Bright light, some direct sun

Water

Deeply, then let the soil dry fully; every 2–3 weeks

Soil

Gritty cactus mix, fast-draining

Temperature

55–80 °F; protect from frost

Pot size

Pot 2 in wider than the root ball

Container

Terracotta with a drainage hole

Growth

Slow; a few new leaves a year

Lifespan

Perennial, many years

When?

Repot or divide in spring or early summer when growth resumes. Outdoors it can only stay out year-round where winters stay above 40 °F (estimated).

Step by step

1. Choose a shallow, wide terracotta pot with a drainage hole.
2. Fill with cactus mix, adding extra perlite or grit if it feels dense.
3. Set the plant at the same depth it grew before; do not bury the leaves.
4. Wait about a week before the first watering so damaged roots can seal.
5. Place it in the brightest window you have; turn the pot now and then.
6. Water only when the soil is completely dry; cut back further in winter.
7. Separate pups with a few roots of their own and pot them singly.

Common problems

Pets

Toxic to cats and dogs; chewing the leaves can upset the stomach. Keep it out of reach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

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