Choose a pot that drains fastAloe hates “wet feet.” To grow a healthy aloe vera plant:Use a pot with drainage holes—no exceptions.Terracotta or clay pots are ideal because they let moisture evaporate faster. Goebbert\’s Farm & Garden Center+1Make sure the pot is wider than it is deep: aloe has shallow, spreading roots.Use cactus/succulent mixRegular potting soil holds too much water. Instead:Use a cactus or succulent potting mixOr mix your own:2 parts regular potting soil1 part sand or perlite for drainageWell-draining, slightly sandy soil mimics aloe’s natural environment and helps prevent root rot. Goebbert\’s Farm & Garden Center+12. Pick the Best Spot for Light & TemperatureLight: bright but not harsh (indoors)Aloe vera loves bright light, but the way you give it that light depends on where it’s growing:Indoors:Place near a south- or west-facing window with bright, indirect sun.Too little light = long, stretched, floppy leaves.Too much direct window sun = brown or red burn marks on the leaves. The Spruce+1Outdoors (in warm weather):Aim for 4–6 hours of sun with some light shade in the hottest part of the day. The SpruceTemperature: no frost, pleaseAloe vera prefers:About 55–85°F (13–29°C). Goebbert\’s Farm & Garden Center+1It is not frost-tolerant, so:In colder parts of the US, UK, or Canada, keep it indoors most of the year.You can move it outside in summer, then bring it back inside before temperatures drop near freezing.If you move it outdoors, do it gradually over a week so it doesn’t sunburn.3. Watering: The Biggest “Secret” to Aloe VeraIf people struggle with aloe, it’s usually because of water. Remember: this plant stores water in its leaves. Overwatering can easily kill it.Simple watering ruleWater deeply, but infrequently.Let the top 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) of soil dry out completely before watering again. Goebbert\’s Farm & Garden Center+1General guidelines (adjust for your home’s temperature and light):Spring–summer (active growing): about every 2–3 weeks indoors.Autumn–winter (resting): once a month or less. Southern Living+1How to water correctlyWater until it runs out the drainage holes.Let the pot drain completely—never leave it sitting in a saucer of water.Empty any excess water from the saucer after 10–15 minutes.Signs you’re watering wrongOverwatered:Mushy, yellowing, or translucent leavesSoil stays wet for daysBase of plant dark or soft (possible root rot) The Guardian+1Underwatered:Thin, wrinkly, or curling leavesLeaf tips turning dry and brownIf you’re unsure: wait. Aloe would rather be a bit dry than too wet.4. Planting & Repotting Aloe VeraPlanting a new aloeFill the pot about ⅓ full with succulent/cactus mix.Place the plant so the bottom leaves sit just above the soil line. Goebbert\’s Farm & Garden Center+1Fill in around the roots with soil, leaving a small gap at the top of the pot so water doesn’t overflow.Do not water for about a week after repotting—this helps any root damage heal and lowers the risk of rot. Goebbert\’s Farm & Garden CenterWhen to repotEvery 2–3 years, or when:Roots push out of the drainage holesThe plant becomes top-heavyMany baby “pups” are crowding the pot Martha StewartRepot into a slightly larger pot (not huge) with fresh succulent soil.5. Propagating Aloe Vera (Making New Plants)Aloe vera usually multiplies by making small “pups” or offsets near the base.How to separate pupsGently remove the plant from its pot.Look for baby plants with their own roots.Carefully tease each pup away from the mother plant, trying to keep as many roots attached as possible. plantsandflowersfoundationholland.org+1Let the pup sit out of soil for a day or two so any cuts can dry and callous.Pot each pup in its own small pot with succulent mix.Wait a few days, then water lightly.This is the easiest way to “clone” your aloe vera and share plants with friends or spread them around your home.6. Feeding & Extra CareFertilizerAloe vera doesn’t need much food:Feed once or twice in spring/summer with a diluted cactus/succulent fertilizer or a balanced houseplant feed at half-strength. Martha Stewart+1No fertilizer in autumn/winter.Too much fertilizer can stress the plant, so less is more.Cleaning & trimmingWipe dust off the leaves with a damp cloth so they can absorb light better.Remove any dead, shriveled, or broken leaves with a clean, sharp knife or scissors, cutting near the base.PestsAloe is usually tough, but occasionally you might see:Mealybugs (white cottony bits)Scale insectsAphidsWipe them off with a cotton pad dipped in mild soapy water, or use an appropriate houseplant-safe treatment if needed. Wikipédia+17. Harvesting Aloe Gel SafelyOnce your plant is mature and has thick leaves, you can use the gel inside.Choose a lower, outer leaf—these are oldest and have the most gel.Cut it off cleanly near the base.Stand the leaf upright for a few minutes to let the yellow sap (aloin) drain out—this can be irritating to some people’s skin or stomach.Slice open the leaf and scoop out the clear gel. Martha Stewart+1Always patch-test on your skin first. And remember: aloe vera is toxic to pets if eaten, so keep the plant and any cut leaves out of reach of cats and dogs. Architectural DigestQuick Reference: Aloe Vera Care “Cheat Sheet”Light: Bright, indirect indoors; 4–6 hours of sun with some shade outdoors.Temperature: 55–85°F (13–29°C); protect from frost.Soil: Cactus/succulent mix or potting soil + sand/perlite.Water: When top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil is dry; roughly every 2–3 weeks in summer, monthly or less in winter.Pot: Terracotta or other pot with drainage holes.Fertilizer: Light feeding 1–2 times in spring/summer.Propagation: Separate pups with roots and pot them up.
