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.

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!

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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