Decorative with its original and elegant foliage, Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a very hardy plant. It loves heat and thrives outdoors in summer (or year-round in southern regions) as well as indoors in winter.
How to care for an Aloe vera?
The Aloe vera is a succulent suited to arid climates: it requires bright light, but does not like too much direct sun, which quickly yellows its leaves and dries them out irreparably.
Where to place an Aloe vera?
It will be happiest outdoors in warm weather (May to September, but don’t hesitate to bring it indoors at night if nights are cool); however, it should be indoors as soon as the temperature drops to around 41°F. It will then do well at normal indoor temperatures (roughly 64–70°F year-round) near a window that lets in as much light as possible without exposing it to direct sun.
The best container for an Aloe vera: a fairly wide clay pot, because the roots spread horizontally.
How to water a potted Aloe vera responsibly?
Like all plants, watering aloe is seasonal. It should be moderate, and the potting mix should not dry out between waterings.
Watering in spring and summer
Regularly, but moderately: about once a week, when the surface soil is dry, not letting too much time pass, especially when it’s very hot, to prevent stressing the plant.
If tap water is too hard, opt for spring water or collect rainwater to water your plants. Water at room temperature; too cold can stress the plant due to temperature differences.
Watering in autumn and winter
We enter the plant’s vegetative rest period: it’s better to reduce watering slightly. Wait until the soil is well dry a few centimeters down before watering again, always with water at room temperature.
We can resume watering in the spring when the plant resumes growth.
Propagating Aloe vera
When everything goes well, by the third year in spring, a few offsets will appear under the first row of leaves. These shoots detach easily from the mother plant with a sharp knife. They should then be planted in little pots filled with the same substrate mix as the mother plant.
Repotting Aloe vera
This operation is essential. Repotting should be done every 2–3 years at most, into a pot with a slightly larger diameter. The ideal time to repot is in spring, after blooming.
Does Aloe vera need fertilizer?
There is no need to fertilize your Aloe vera. However, for good growth, it’s best to grow it in a substrate that blends sand, soil, and indoor-plant potting mix.
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