Aloe vera care

Did you know… the Aloe vera was used by the ancient Greeks for medicinal purposes? It was very useful to treat wounds. On this page you’ll find all information on Aloe vera care, from the ideal spot until repotting instructions. Follow these guidelines and help your Aloe vera live a long and healthy life.

The Aloe is originally from Africa. Nowaways, however, the plant is both cultivated and found in many other parts of the world. For example, you’ll find the Aloe vera in South and Central America, on the Canary Islands and around the Mediterranean. There are about 130 Aloe species, the most famous of which is Aloe vera. This type contains oils with medicinal properties, and its use as a medicinal plant dates back to Ancient Greek Civilizations. Today, the oils are widely used in the production of cosmetics such as creams and shampoos. Please note: the Aloe vera is cultivated as an ornamental plant and therefore not suitable for consumption or for cosmetic purposes. Other well-known types of Aloe species are the Bakeri and Arborescens. The Aloe Bakeri is known for its ability to produce orange & red tubular flowers The Aloe Arborescens owes its popularity to its blue-green color and serrated stems.

The Aloe vera is a very easy plant to care for. It grows quickly in a sunny spot, but it also won’t mind a bit of shade. You’ll only need to water it once the potting soil has dried up. Read on for all Aloe vera care information.

Aloe vera light requirements

Place the Aloe vera in a light spot, clear of direct sunlight, or in a sunny spot. A sunny spot is ideal to promote growth, but you should allow the plant some time to get used to direct sunlight. Place it closer and closer by the window over a period of 2 weeks, and your Aloe vera is sun proof. If you’d like to place the Aloe vera outdoors during summer, make sure it’s to do this, let the plant get used to direct sunlight slowly. You do this by gradually moving the plant closer to the window, for about 2 weeks. You could place the Aloe vera outdoors during summer, so long as it’s protected against rain.

Aloe vera water care

Give the Aloe vera a lot of water in one go, and then allow the potting soil to dry completely before watering it again. You’ll need to do this regularly from spring through fall, depending on the temperature. During winter the Aloe hardly needs any water: once every 1-2 months is sufficient. Note: make sure that there is never a layer of water at the bottom of the pot, and always pour water directly onto the potting soil. If there’s a layer of excess water at the bottom of the pot, or if you pour/spray water directly on the plant itself, its roots will most likely start to rot.

Repotting tips

You only need to repot the Aloe vera once every 2-3 years. Do this during the spring, when the plant recovers fastest from repotting. Be careful not to damage the roots too much when repotting. Use a pot that is at least 20% larger than the current pot, allowing the roots plenty of room to grow. We recommend adding hydro granules when repotting. That way, it won’t matter if you overwater the Aloe, as the hydro granules provide drainage.

Fertilizer requirements

As long as you repot the plant once every 2-3 years, it is not necessary to apply fertilizer. The plant receives enough nutrition from the fresh potting soil.

Is my Aloe vera plant poisonous?

Almost all outdoor and indoor plants on Plantler.com are intended for a decorative purpose, and not for eating – unless it is explicitly stated that this is possible (think of a fruit tree, for example). The Aloe vera is generally not known to be a poisonous plant.