DIG THIS
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) has been used for its healing properties for thousands of years. Its gel is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
It is the perfect at-home remedy for soothing burns, cuts, and dry skin. Simply cut a leaf, scoop out the gel, and apply directed to the affected area.
Pretty Chill
Full Sunlight
Keep Soil Dry
Not Pet Safe
FULL SUNLIGHT
Aloe is a sun lover!
Be mindful to not expose Aloe Vera to too much sun too fast. You may notice browning leaves as a result. Gradually increase sun exposure for best growth.
6+ HOURS OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT DAILY
Aloe does not do well in low light areas. Faded leaves and "legginess" is its way of telling you: More sunlight please!
FIND YOUR LIGHT
Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.
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SOUTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹
EAST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants
WEST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹
⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants
NORTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹
⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!
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KEEP SOIL DRY
Aloe is a plant that can thrive on neglect, allowing it to go weeks without a watering. Since it prefers a drier environment, be careful to not overwater! Let it dry out in the sun completely.
LOW HUMIDITY
Avoid misting or using a humidifier near an Aloe Vera plant. If its leaves feel too soft or mushy, then it needs to dry out.
SOIL
ALOE VERA DIGS A GRITTY AND FAST-DRAINING MIX
When choosing a potting mix for this houseplant, look for mixes that include:
PERLITE or
PERLITE or
Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
COARSE SAND
Looks like gritty and chunky beach sand. Like perlite, it improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
PUMICE or
Looks like very tiny, gray and white pebbles. Helps prevent compact soil and improves airflow for the roots.
GRAVEL
Looks like small, smooth stones in mixed colors. Like pumice, it helps prevent compact soil and improves airflow for the roots.
COMMON ISSUES
MUSHY LEAVES
A sign of overwatering or poor drainage of the pot. Remember to keep Aloe's soil on the drier side. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.
Remove affected leaves. Dry out soil completely (1-5 days). Adjust your watering schedule for this plant.
If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.
WRINKLED LEAVES
A sign of dehydration and being neglected a little too long.
Although Aloe does not need much water, wrinkled leaves is its way of telling you it's thirsty. Give it a drink!
BROWN / RED LEAVES
Likely caused by too much direct sunlight too fast.
Remove the affected leaves and slowly acclimate Aloe Vera to bright sun so it can build a tolerance.
LEGGY
A definite sign of not enough sunlight.
If you notice Aloe Vera looking leggy and weak, it's time to move it to a brighter spot.
BLACK SPOTS
Likely a sign of a fungal problem.
Remove affected leaves.
Try to keep Aloe Vera leaves dry and out of direct moisture. Only water at the base of the plant, ensuring its leaves do not get wet.
Provide better air circulation by not crowding it with other plants. Keep it in a cool, dry area.
PESTS
Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:
Aphids
Fungus Gnats
Mealybugs
Spider Mites
Thrips
