How to grow aloe vera: A beginner’s care guide

Did you know that aloe vera is an incredibly easy-to-care-for houseplant? Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or serial plant killer, aloe vera is a perfect addition to your home or garden. In this complete care guide, we’ll teach you how to properly look after your adorable aloe!

How to care for aloe vera

Aloe vera is a hardy succulent that doesn’t require much attention, making it ideal for beginners and busy individuals, especially ones with a history of forgetting to water their plants. Here’s how to ensure your aloe vera plant thrives:

Lighting

Aloe vera loves bright, indirect sunlight. Place your plant in a spot that lets light in, and put it on a shelf or table a few feet away from the window. Direct sunlight is okay for short periods, but too much can cause the leaves to burn. If you notice the plant becoming leggy or the leaves turning yellow, it might be a sign that it’s not getting enough light.

Watering

One of the most important aspects of aloe vera care is getting the watering schedule right. Aloe vera is drought-tolerant, so it prefers to be on the dry side. Water your aloe vera plant about once every 3 weeks, but always allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, so be sure to check the soil moisture before adding more water. Signs of overwatering include the leaves turning yellow or brown and becoming mushy. Signs of underwatering include wrinkled, brittle leaves that go yellow at the tips.

Soil

Aloe vera thrives in well-draining soil. It’s best to use a cactus and succulent mix that allows excess water to escape. If you’re a notorious overwaterer, then you can also place them in a pot with a hole at the bottom to increase drainage. Aloe plants don’t need much soil fertiliser, but you can apply a small amount around the growing season in spring each year. You may have heard the myth about adding small rocks to the base of your pot, but this will actually worsen drainage by causing water pooling, leaving the soil damp… so don’t do that!

Repotting

Aloe vera tolerates being root-bound, so it doesn’t need frequent repotting. Only repot when the plant has outgrown its container or the plant becomes visibly crowded. When repotting, choose a container that’s slightly larger than the current one to prevent overwatering issues. The pups (small sprouts of growth that come from the mother plant) can also be repotted, saving space and providing you with free additional plants! Check our youtube page for a clear guide on how to repot aloe pups.

Pest control

Aloe vera is generally resistant to pests, but it’s still important to keep an eye out for common issues. Here’s what to look for and how to handle each pest:

  • Aphids Signs: These small insects usually come in either an orange-brown or dull-green colour. They are often found on the undersides of leaves, and they leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew. Fix: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or spray with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap. If growing the aloe outside, then you can also attract ladybirds to the garden, as they are natural predators.

  • Scale insects Signs: Small, hard, brown or black bumps on the leaves. They may look like a part of the plant but are actually insects feeding on plant sap. Fix: Gently scrape off the scales with a soft brush. For more stubborn infestations, use an insecticidal soap on a cotton swab.

  • Mealybugs Signs: White, cotton-like fluff on the leaves or stems. They usually congregate in hidden spots. Fix: Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to remove them. You can also spray with insecticidal soap or a water-dish soap mixture.

  • Fungus gnats Signs: Small, dark flying insects around the plant. The larvae live in the soil and may cause yellowing leaves due to root damage. Fix: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to disrupt the fungus gnat life cycle. You can also apply sticky traps to catch the adult gnats, or use a thin layer of small rocks covering the top layer of soil to prevent them, if the infestation is large.

  • Spider mites Signs: Tiny, red or brown spots on the leaves, with webbing often visible on the underside. Leaves may also appear dusty or speckled. Fix: Wash the leaves with a gentle stream of water to dislodge the mites, making sure to keep the roots dry to protect the aloe. If the infestation is severe, spray with insecticidal soap.

  • Snout beetles Signs: Small, elongated beetles with a noticeable snout, often found on the leaves or near the base of the plant. They may cause holes in the leaves. Fix: Manually remove the beetles and dispose of them.

Fighting Fungal Issues

If your aloe has been overwatered or exposed to excess moisture, it may result in fungal infections. Here’s how to handle some common issues:

Signs of fungal infections:

  • Soft, dark spots on the leaves.
  • A mushy texture on the affected areas.
  • Discolouration or mold on the soil surface.

How to treat your plant:

  • Remove any affected leaves immediately.
  • Ensure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out between waterings.
  • Use a fungicide if the problem persists, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
  • Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry.

Winter care

Aloe vera can thrive outdoors in the summer, but it requires extra attention when temperatures drop. It’s also generally important to know how to care for your aloe during the colder months, whether you choose to grow it indoors or outside.

  • If your aloe vera is outdoors, bring it inside when temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F), as it’s not frost-tolerant.
  • Make sure it gets plenty of indirect sunlight during the day, and avoid placing it in areas where it gets too cold or wet.
  • Reduce watering during the colder months, as the plant’s growth slows down and it needs less water.

Conclusion

Aloe vera is a low-maintenance, resilient plant that’s perfect for both beginners and experienced plant lovers. By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy a healthy, thriving plant that brightens your space and even offers some potential health benefits. Remember, a little attention is all it takes to keep your aloe vera happy!