Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a hardy succulent with thick, fleshy leaves filled with a soothing gel long used to treat burns and skin irritation. It is easy to grow on a sunny windowsill and needs very little water.
- Light
- Bright direct to indirect light
- Water
- Sparingly; let soil dry fully
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Aloe vera is a stemless or short-stemmed succulent forming rosettes of thick, fleshy, pointed leaves. It is one of the most widely cultivated and recognized medicinal plants in the world.
The leaves store a clear inner gel rich in water and bioactive compounds, prized for centuries as a topical remedy for burns, cuts, and skin conditions. A yellow latex just under the skin (aloin) is a strong laxative and an irritant.
Adaptable and drought-tolerant, aloe vera thrives indoors on a bright windowsill and outdoors in warm, dry climates.
How to identify it
- Leaves: Thick, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves in a rosette, gray-green to bright green, often with white speckling when young and small white teeth along the margins
- Gel: Cut leaves reveal a clear, slimy gel surrounded by a thin layer of yellow latex
- Habit: Stemless rosette that produces offset 'pups' at the base
- Flowers: Mature plants send up a tall spike of tubular yellow to orange flowers
- Size: Typically 1-2 feet tall and wide
Care & growing
Light: Bright light, including several hours of direct sun. Insufficient light causes leggy, flattened growth.
Water: Water deeply but infrequently, letting the soil dry completely between waterings. Water roughly every 2-3 weeks; much less in winter. Overwatering causes rot.
Soil: Gritty, fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.
Temperature: Prefers 55-80°F (13-27°C); protect from frost.
Feeding: Optional light feeding once or twice in spring/summer with diluted succulent fertilizer.
Propagation: Easily propagated by removing and replanting the offset pups that form around the base.
Habitat & origin
Aloe vera's exact wild origin is uncertain, but it is thought to derive from the Arabian Peninsula. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and is now naturalized across North Africa, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, and many other warm regions.
It grows well outdoors in USDA zones 9-11 in arid, well-drained soils, and is grown indoors worldwide as both an ornamental and a household first-aid plant.
Uses & benefits
Medicinal: The inner leaf gel is widely applied topically to soothe minor burns, sunburn, and skin irritation, and is used in countless cosmetics and lotions.
Culinary: Processed aloe gel is used in drinks and supplements, though the yellow latex must be removed because it is a harsh laxative.
Ornamental: A popular, low-maintenance succulent for windowsills, patios, and xeriscape gardens.
Caution: Although used by people, the plant is toxic to cats and dogs due to the saponins and aloin in the latex.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water aloe vera?
Only when the soil is completely dry, about every 2-3 weeks in summer and far less in winter. It is very drought tolerant.
Can I use the gel straight from the plant?
Yes, the clear inner gel can be applied to minor burns and skin irritation, but avoid the yellow latex just under the skin, which is irritating.
Why are my aloe leaves turning brown or red?
Reddish or brown leaves often indicate sun stress, underwatering, or cold. Brown mushy leaves instead point to overwatering and rot.
Is aloe vera safe for pets?
No. The latex (aloin) is toxic to cats and dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy if eaten.
Aloe Vera guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Aloe Vera.
