Two thick, fleshy aloe vera leaves with serrated edges, overlapping each other and isolated on a transparent background.

aloe vera

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full sun

6+ hours of direct sunlight daily

☼ More sun = more aloe gel ☼

Be mindful - too much sun too fast can cause browning leaves. Gradually increase sun exposure for best growth.

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Aloe doesn’t do well low light. It wants to bask in the sun! In low light, aloe may appear faded and leggy.

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Cartoon water droplet character smiling and flashing a peace sign while holding a yellow watering can. Surrounded by flowers, bees, and grass, wearing pink sneakers.

keep soil dry

Let soil fully dry before watering

Aloe is a plant that can thrive on neglect! You can go weeks without watering aloe. It prefers a dry environment, so do not overwater. Let it dry out in the sun.

However, if you notice wrinkly leaves, it’s extra thirsty!

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Aloe prefers low humidity.

Avoid misting! If the leaves feel too soft or mushy, it might be getting too much moisture. Consider using a terra cotta pot to absorb excess water.

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Groovy Root mascot. A cartoon red flower pot character happily planting a seedling with a trowel, surrounded by dirt, smiling flowers, bees, and a second small pot. Wearing blue sneakers.

soil needs

Aloe vera digs a gritty, fast-draining mix that dries out completely in between waterings.

When choosing a potting mix for aloe vera, look for mixes that include:

ᯓ Perlite or Coarse Sand ᯓ

Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

ᯓ Pumice or Small Gravel ᯓ

Helps prevent compact soil and improves airflow.

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Common Issues

  • A sign of overwatering or poor drainage.

    Remember to keep aloe’s soil on the drier side! Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.

    Dry out the soil for a day, remove plant from pot, trim away dead, mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.

  • Likely caused by too much direct sun too fast!

    Gradually acclimate your aloe to bright sun so it can build a tolerance.

  • A sign of not enough sunlight.

    If you notice your plant is looking leggy and weak, try moving it to a sunnier spot.

  • A sign of dehydration.

    Even though aloe does not need much water, wrinkled leaves is its way of telling you it is thirsty.

  • A sign of a fungal problem from too much moisture. 

    Remove the affected leaves. Prevent this by keeping aloe leaves dry.

Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Make sure to watch out for these creepy crawlers:

𖢥 Aphids

𖢥 Fungus Gnats

𖢥 Mealybugs

𖢥 Spider Mites

𖢥 Scale

Not Pet Safe

Aloe vera can be toxic to pets if ingested. If you have pets, keep aloe vera plants out of their reach.

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