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When Aloe Vera gets too much direct sun, it throws a fit—leaves can turn a telltale reddish or brownish, and it may start to droop in protest. Indirect sunlight, on the other hand, is like a spa day for your Aloe, promoting growth without the drama.
How to Care for an Aloe Vera Plant
- Lighting: Place in bright, indirect sunlight or artificial light. A western or southern window is ideal. Aloe that are kept in low light often grow leggy.
- Temperature: Aloe vera does best in temperatures between 55 and 80°F (13 and 27°C). The temperatures of most homes and apartments are ideal. From May to September, you can bring your plant outdoors without any problems, but do bring it back inside in the evening if nights are cold.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly (no more than once a month), and only in the spring and summer, with a balanced houseplant formula mixed at 1/2 strength.
- Repotting: Repot when root bound, following the instructions given in “Planting” above.
Watering is the most challenging part of keeping aloe vera healthy, but it’s certainly not rocket science! The aloe is a succulent plant accustomed to arid environments, but its thick leaves still need sufficient water.
- Water aloe vera plants deeply but infrequently. In other words, the soil should feel moist after watering but should be allowed to dry out to some extent before you water again. If the soil stays overly wet, the plant’s roots can rot.
- To ensure that you’re not overwatering your plant, allow the top third of potting soil to dry out between waterings. For example, if your plant is kept in 6 inches of potting soil, allow the top 2 inches to dry out before watering again. (Use your finger to test the dryness of the soil.)
- Generally speaking, plan to water your aloe plant about every 2-3 weeks in the spring and summer and even more sparingly during the fall and winter. One rule of thumb for fall and winter watering is to roughly double the time between waterings (compared to your summer watering schedule). In other words, if you water every two weeks in summer, water every four weeks in winter.
- When watering, some excess water may run out of the bottom of the pot. Let the pot sit in this water so the soil absorbs as much as possible. Wait 10-15 minutes, then dump any remaining water.
Before Planting Aloe Vera
- It’s important to choose the right type of container. A pot made from terra-cotta or similar porous material is recommended, as it will allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings and will also be heavy enough to keep the plant from tipping over. A plastic or glazed pot may also be used, though these will hold more moisture.
- When choosing a container, pick one with at least one drainage hole in the bottom. This is key, as the hole will allow excess water to drain out. Aloe vera plants are hardy, but a lack of proper drainage can cause rot and wilting, which is easily the most common cause of death for this plant.
- Select a container that’s about as wide as it is deep. If your aloe plant has a stem, choose a container deep enough to plant the entire stem under the soil.
- Aloe vera plants are succulents, so use a well-draining potting mix, such as those made for cacti and succulents. Do not use gardening soil. A good mix should contain perlite, lava rock, chunks of bark, or all three.
- A layer of gravel, clay balls, or any other “drainage” material in the bottom of the pot is not necessary. This only takes up space that the roots could otherwise be using. A drainage hole is drainage enough!
- (Optional) To encourage your aloe to put out new roots after planting, dust the stem of the plant with a rooting hormone powder. Rooting hormone can be found at a local garden center or hardware store or bought online.
Do Aloe Plants Need Sun? – Will they Survive Without Sunlight
FAQ
How do I know if my aloe vera is too much sun?
Can aloes take full sun?
How do you save an aloe plant that got too much sun?
Can Aloe Vera get too much sun?
An aloe can get too much sun. While aloe vera plants are full-sun, they prefer indirect sunlight. They thrive in a brightly lit location where the sun does not shine directly on the plant. If your aloe plant is getting sunburned, the leaves can turn a light yellow or pinkish-red color, or brown or black spots may appear on the leaves.
Is drinking raw aloe plant beneficial or harmful?
Aloe vera has numerous benefits when used in the correct dosage, benefits that include its antioxidant, healing, laxative and anti-inflammatory action. However, if consumed in excess, it can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, hypoglycemia.
Do Aloe plants need a lot of Sun?
Aloe plants are attractive cactus-like indoor plants that thrive in hot and dry climates. These low-maintenance, full-sun houseplants need approximately six hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Can Aloe Get Too Much Sun? An aloe can get too much sun. While aloe vera plants are full-sun, they prefer indirect sunlight.
How do I know if my aloe plant needs more sun?
An aloe that needs more sun can get something called “aloe flop.” The normally fleshy leaves will appear to be limp, flat, and elongated. The aloe leaf can bend at the base or the middle. Adjust the plant’s light conditions by moving it to a sunny spot or simulating bright light with a grow lamp. Healthy aloe has vibrant, fleshy, upright leaves.