How to Care for Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a low-maintenance succulent known for its healing properties and striking appearance. Whether grown indoors or outdoors, it is loved for its fleshy green leaves and resilience to dry conditions. While aloe is fairly easy to care for, it does best with a little attention to its growing conditions, watering routine and environment. With the right care, your aloe vera can thrive for years, offering not only ornamental beauty but also practical use.

How to Grow Aloe Vera

Aloe vera grows best in warm conditions with plenty of sunlight. As a succulent, it is adapted to store water in its leaves, so it thrives in dry, well-drained soil. Aloe is particularly suited to pots or containers, where it can be easily moved indoors during colder months. Growth can be slow in the early stages, but with enough warmth and light, the plant will gradually produce larger fleshy leaves and may eventually produce small offshoots at the base.

Where to Grow Aloe Vera

In the UK climate, aloe vera is usually grown indoors as a houseplant. A sunny windowsill, preferably south-facing, is ideal. Outdoors, it can be placed on a sunny patio or balcony during the warmer months but should be brought inside well before the first frost. Aloe vera cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and will quickly suffer if exposed to prolonged cold. Choose a spot with bright indirect light if direct sunlight is too intense, especially during summer heatwaves, as strong sun can scorch the leaves.

How to Care for Aloe Vera

Caring for aloe vera involves getting the balance right between light, water and temperature. It should be watered deeply but only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is the most common mistake, often leading to root rot. The soil should be gritty and free-draining, ideally a cactus or succulent compost. The pot must have drainage holes to prevent water from collecting at the base. Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed, and rotate the pot occasionally to encourage even growth on all sides.

How to Propagate Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is easily propagated through its offshoots, also known as pups or offsets. These small baby plants grow around the base of the parent and can be separated when they are a few inches tall and have their own root system. Gently remove the plant from its pot and tease the offsets away with care, making sure to keep the roots intact. Allow the offsets to dry out for a day or two before replanting them into fresh compost. This prevents rot and encourages healthy rooting. New plants can be grown in the same conditions as the parent, and with time, they will develop into mature aloe plants themselves.

Aloe Vera Problem-Solving

Despite being hardy, aloe vera can develop problems if not cared for properly. Yellowing or mushy leaves usually point to overwatering, while brown leaf tips can be a sign of sunburn or low humidity. If the plant appears to be growing slowly or not at all, it may be lacking in light or planted in soil that holds too much moisture. Root rot is a common issue caused by excess water and poor drainage. If caught early, affected roots can be trimmed, and the plant repotted into dry, clean compost. Mealybugs and aphids are rare but can appear on plants kept in crowded or dusty conditions. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth and ensuring good airflow usually helps.

Types of Aloe Vera to Grow

The most well-known variety is the traditional Aloe barbadensis miller, often simply labelled as aloe vera. This variety is prized for its clear gel and medicinal uses. Other ornamental types include Aloe arborescens, which grows larger and has more branching habits, and Aloe variegata, known for its zebra-striped leaves. While these less common types may not be as useful for skincare, they are visually striking and make interesting additions to a succulent collection. All types share similar care requirements and can be grown in pots with the same ease as the classic aloe vera.

Choosing the Right Pot for Aloe Vera

The pot you choose for your aloe vera plant plays an important role in its health and development. Terracotta pots are often considered the best choice because they are porous, allowing excess moisture to evaporate more easily. This helps prevent the root rot that aloe plants are particularly prone to. Always make sure the pot has a drainage hole, and avoid using containers that are too deep, as aloe vera has a relatively shallow root system.

Feeding Aloe Vera Plants

While aloe vera is not a heavy feeder, giving it the occasional boost with the right fertiliser can support its growth, particularly during spring and summer. A diluted liquid fertiliser designed for succulents or cacti can be applied once a month during the growing season. Avoid feeding during the winter months, as the plant enters a semi-dormant state and does not require additional nutrients. Overfeeding can do more harm than good, leading to soft leaves and root damage.

Pruning and Shaping Aloe Vera

Aloe vera does not usually require pruning in the traditional sense, but it can benefit from the occasional tidy-up. Damaged, shrivelled or discoloured leaves should be removed at the base using clean, sharp scissors or a knife. This not only improves the plant’s appearance but also prevents the spread of potential infections. If your aloe is becoming top-heavy or sprawling out of its pot, you can remove a few outer leaves or offset some pups to encourage a more balanced shape.

Understanding Aloe Vera’s Growth Cycle

Aloe vera tends to grow more actively during the warmer months when light levels are higher. During this time, you might see new leaves forming from the centre and occasional offsets developing at the base. In autumn and winter, growth slows down significantly, and this is perfectly normal. It’s important to adjust your watering schedule accordingly, allowing the soil to remain dry for longer periods and reducing the risk of overwatering.

Using Aloe Vera for Skincare

Once mature, aloe vera leaves can be cut and used for their gel. This can be applied directly to the skin to soothe sunburn, minor cuts or insect bites. To use, cut a thick leaf close to the base and slice it open to reveal the clear gel inside. Use the gel immediately, as it begins to oxidise once exposed to air. While aloe vera is generally safe for topical use, a small patch test is recommended for sensitive skin.

Seasonal Care Tips for Aloe Vera

During summer, aloe vera can be moved outdoors to a sunny spot such as a patio or windowsill. This gives it access to better airflow and light, encouraging stronger growth. However, it must be gradually acclimatised to direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn. As temperatures begin to drop in autumn, bring the plant indoors before night temperatures fall below 10°C. During winter, keep it in a cool room with good natural light and reduce watering to match its slower growth.

Encouraging Aloe Vera to Flower

Although aloe vera is primarily grown for its foliage and gel, it can produce tall flower spikes with tubular blooms under the right conditions. Flowering is more common in mature plants that have had consistent care for several years. Providing plenty of sunlight, keeping the plant slightly root-bound and ensuring a period of cooler temperatures in winter can encourage blooming in spring or summer. However, indoor aloe vera plants rarely flower unless grown under very bright conditions or in greenhouses.