Aloe Vera Care Guide

Aloe barbadensis miller

Aloe Vera is a succulent famous for its soothing gel used for burns and skincare. It's low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and produces offsets (pups) you can share.

Light
Bright indirect to direct
Water
Every 2-3 weeks
Humidity
Low
Difficulty
Easy

Watering

As a succulent, Aloe Vera stores water in its thick leaves and needs infrequent watering. Water deeply when soil is completely dry โ€“ typically every 2-3 weeks in summer, monthly in winter. Overwatering causes mushy leaves and root rot.

Light Requirements

Aloe Vera loves bright light and can handle some direct sun, especially morning light. South or west-facing windows are ideal. Low light causes leggy, pale growth. If moving to more sun, acclimate gradually to prevent sunburn.

Humidity & Temperature

Aloe thrives in dry conditions and needs no extra humidity. It's perfect for arid climates and air-conditioned spaces. Keep temperatures between 55-85ยฐF. Avoid frost โ€“ it's not cold-hardy.

Fertilizing

Aloe is a light feeder. Fertilize 2-3 times during the growing season with diluted succulent fertilizer. Over-fertilizing is worse than under-fertilizing. Many aloe thrive for years without any fertilizer.

Common Problems

  • Mushy leaves: Overwatering or root rot. Let dry completely and reduce watering.
  • Brown tips: Usually sunburn or underwatering.
  • Flat, thin leaves: Not enough light or water.
  • Leggy growth: Insufficient light. Move to brighter location.
  • Red/brown coloring: Sun stress โ€“ can be normal but move to indirect light if concerned.

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