Light
Give it a bright window with some direct sun. If you move it outside for summer, do it gradually. A sudden move from low to bright light can sunburn the leaves, which turn pale first, then brown.
Water
Soak the pot, let it drain, then wait until the soil is completely dry. In winter it needs very little water. Soft, mushy leaves mean too much.
Soil & pots
A gritty cactus mix in a pot with drainage holes. Clay pots are best because they help the soil dry out. Aloe gets top-heavy, so pick a pot that's wide and heavy rather than tall and narrow.
Temperature
Happy at room temperature. It can't take frost. Bring it indoors before nights drop below 50°F (10°C).
Is aloe vera safe for pets?
Toxic to cats and dogs. It can cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea.
Propagation
Aloe vera is grown from its offsets, or pups. They're the easy, reliable way to get new plants.
- Unpot the plant and find a pup a couple of inches tall, ideally with its own roots.
- Cut or tease it away from the mother plant.
- Let the cut dry and scab over for a few days.
- Pot it in dry gritty mix and water lightly once it's settled.
Common problems
FAQ
Is aloe vera toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists aloe vera as toxic to cats and dogs. It can cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea. The gel isn't the main concern; the bitter yellow latex just under the skin is.
How often should I water aloe vera?
Only when the soil is dry all the way through. In summer that may be every few weeks. In winter, water very little.
Why are my aloe leaves turning brown?
Usually sunburn after a sudden move into strong sun, or too much water. Crispy brown patches point to sun; soft, mushy leaves point to rot.
Sources
- Aloe: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
- Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.: Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Aloe vera: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
- Aloe vera: North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Aloe, a Hardy Houseplant: Penn State Extension
- Aloe Vera: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Aloe Vera: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension