Some houseplants do far more than brighten up a room. Aloe vera is one of them. Hidden inside its thick, fleshy leaves is a clear gel that's widely used to soothe minor burns, sunburn, skin irritation and dry skin, making this hardy succulent a practical addition to any home.
Native to hot, arid climates, aloe vera is built to withstand dry conditions, storing water in its leaves so it can go for long periods without attention. Its sculptural appearance and low-maintenance nature have made it one of the world's most popular houseplants, while its everyday uses mean it's as practical as it is attractive.
Better still, aloe vera is remarkably easy to grow indoors. Give it plenty of bright light, well-draining soil and only occasional watering, and it'll reward you with healthy new growth for years to come.
Below, you'll find everything you need to know about planting, growing and caring for an aloe vera plant.
How to care for an aloe vera plant
• Soil
Aloe vera plants thrive in fast-draining soil that won't hold onto excess moisture around their roots. A cactus or succulent potting mix is the easiest choice, as it's formulated with sand, perlite, or other coarse materials that improve drainage. If you're making your own mix, combine standard potting soil with equal parts coarse sand or perlite. No matter what soil you use, plant your aloe in a container with drainage holes — standing water is one of the quickest ways to cause root rot and shorten the plant's life.
• Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal for the aloe plant, though mature plants can also tolerate several hours of direct morning sun. Place your aloe near a south- or west-facing window where it receives plenty of natural light throughout the day. You’ll know if the plant isn’t getting enough sun if its leaves become pale, thin, or stretched as it reaches for more light. On the other hand, too much bright light — especially after moving the plant outdoors — can scorch the leaves, so it's best to acclimate aloe gradually to brighter conditions.
• Water
When it comes to watering any succulent, less is more. Aloe vera stores moisture in its leaves, allowing it to go for weeks between waterings. Water deeply only after the soil has dried out completely, then allow any excess water to drain away. During the growing season (spring and summer), this may mean watering every two to three weeks, while in autumn and winter, the plant may only need a drink once a month or even less. Wrinkled or slightly limp leaves are often a sign the plant needs water, while soft, mushy leaves usually indicate it's being overwatered.
How to plant aloe vera
Now that you've chosen the correct soil, location, and pot, it's time to go ahead and plant it! Here's how:
- Rinse your new pot or scrub a previously used pot
- Let your pot dry completely before adding soil
- Place a piece of screen — or newspaper/paper towel — at the bottom of the pot to prevent soil from falling through the drain hole
- Remove the aloe plant from its current pot
- Gently brush off excess dirt from roots
- Fill the pot approximately 1/3 of the way with your soil
- Place your plant in the soil
- Fill in more soil around the plant, leaving at least 3/4 inches between the soil and the rim of the pot. Note: The bottom leaves of the aloe plant should rest just above the soil.
- Wait at least a week before you water your aloe plant for the first time to allow it to acclimate to its new home.
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