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An illustration of a green aloe vera plant with spear-like leaves.

Aloe Plant

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Aloe barbadensis

KNOWN AS: Aloe Vera

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Southeast Arabian Peninsula | Tropical (semi-arid region)

DESCRIPTION: This succulent has lovely spear-like leaves that fan out from a central stem. It is very easy to care for and its extra plump leaves contain a first-aid bonus inside. The watery gel in each spear can provide quick relief for burns or bites.

Easy difficulty & pet toxic

Aloe Plant Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

For best growth, aloe plants need bright, direct sunlight. Aloe plants do best in a south or west-facing window, but they can also be grown under LED grow lights if needed. It's important not to put aloe plants in low light conditions as this can make them weak and leggy.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Allow soil to completely dry out before watering.

Aloe plants are succulents that store water in their leaves, making them tolerant of drought. However, they still require proper watering to thrive. The best watering technique for indoor aloe plants is to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. When watering, give the plant a thorough watering until the water starts to drain from the bottom of the pot. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. During the winter months, you can reduce watering frequency as the plant goes into a dormant state. Additionally, it's recommended to use a well-draining potting mix to prevent water from sitting in the soil and causing damage to the plant's roots.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 85º

Aloe plants are used to arid areas and are well suited for hot, dry conditions. Although they can withstand a wide variety of temperatures as indoor plants, they prefer warm temperatures between 60 and 85 °F (15 and 29 °C). Heat stress and leaf damage may result from temperatures higher than 90°F (32°C). Aloe plants are also susceptible to cold temperatures, and temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause harm or death to the plant. The plant should ideally be kept out of drafts and unexpected temperature changes in a warm, sunny area.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 30 - 50%; Low/Moderate Humidity

To keep your aloe plant healthy and thriving, it's important to maintain proper humidity levels. Aloe plants are native to arid regions, so they prefer low humidity environments. Aim to keep your home between 30-50% humidity for optimal aloe plant growth. Most living spaces should fall in this humidity range, meaning you should not have to do anything special for your Aloe plant!

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Aloe vera can be propagated through offsets, also known as "pups", which are small plants that grow from the base of the mother plant. To propagate an aloe plant, wait until the offset has grown to be at least a few inches tall and has its own set of leaves. Then, carefully remove the offset from the mother plant using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Allow the offset to dry for a few days, and then plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Water the newly planted offset sparingly at first, allowing the soil to dry out partially between waterings. As the plant becomes established, increase the frequency of watering.
Toxicity
While aloe vera is often used in medicinal and cosmetic products, it can be toxic to both humans and animals if ingested. The sap or latex in the plant contains anthraquinones, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps if consumed in large quantities. Aloe can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Pets, especially cats and dogs, may experience similar symptoms if they ingest the plant. It is important to keep aloe vera plants out of reach of children and pets and to seek medical attention if they are accidentally consumed.
Repotting
Aloe plants need to be repotted so they have enough room to grow and so the soil can be refreshed. Aloe plants should be repotted in the spring or summer, when they are actively growing. To repot a plant, gently take it out of its current pot and loosen the soil around its roots. Cut off any dead or damaged roots and move the plant to a new pot that is one size bigger. Use a mixture of 50% perlite or sand and soil that drains well. Put the newly re-potted plant somewhere bright and sunny and give it a lot of water. Don't water the plant for a few days after repotting it to give it time to get used to its new home.
Pruning
Aloes can be trimmed to get rid of dead, broken, or too many leaves. To do this, cut the leaf as close to the base as you can with a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. If the plant is heavy at the top, you can also prune the rosette of leaves at the top to get it to grow more branches and become bushier. When repotting, make sure to get rid of any roots that are brown or soft, and don't cut into the stem because that can hurt the plant. Wearing gloves is important when pruning aloe plants because the sap can be irritating to the skin.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 for N, P, and K to feed an aloe plant. Fertilize your aloe plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Fertilize only once a month during the dormant season (fall and winter). Make sure to water down the fertilizer to half its strength or less to keep the roots of the plant from getting burned. Put the fertilizer on the soil around the plant's base and give it a lot of water. If you'd rather not use chemicals, you can use a solution of worm castings or compost tea that has been watered down.
Soil
Aloe likes a soil mix that is a little sandy and a little bit acidic. Mixing equal parts of sand, perlite, and peat moss or coco coir makes a good soil mix for aloe plants. This will keep the soil from holding on to too much water, which can cause root rot. Aloe plants also like nutrient-rich soil, so adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix before planting is a good idea. Aloe plants should also be kept in a terracotta pot that drains well so that they don't get too much water.

Hanging Heights

Aloe Plant Lighting Requirements: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Aloe Plant

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

12" to 36"

-

VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Aloe Plant

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : Not Recommended

60º Wide Beam Vita : Not Recommended

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Aloe Plant

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 18" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 12" to 30"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Aloe Plant

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • Not Recommended

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Aloe Plant

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

-

VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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