Aloe Vera

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. Before applying, drain the aloe's latex first. Place leaf cut-side down in a glass for 30 minutes to let the yellow liquid drain out.

Once drained, scoop out the clear gel and apply directly to the affected area.

Pretty Chill

Black sun icon with rays on a white background

Full Sunlight

Keep Soil Dry

Not Pet Safe

FULL SUNLIGHT

Aloe vera is a sun lover!
Be mindful to not expose an aloe vera plant 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

An aloe plant does not do well in low light areas. Faded leaves and "legginess" is its way of telling you: More sunlight please!

Cartoon sun character holding a flower and a potted plant with a cloud in the background.

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.

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!

OUR PICK

We recommend a south-facing window for an aloe plant. East or west also works if the room is bright enough, but you may notice slow or leggy growth.

⚠︎ Avoid north-facing ⚠︎

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 this plant. If its leaves feel too soft or mushy, then it needs to dry out.

Cartoon water droplet character with a watering can and flowers on a white background

SOIL

Aloe needs soil that drains fast and stays dry. The best store-bought option is a cactus and succulent mix since it is already formulated for plants like aloe.

Avoid anything labeled "moisture control" or "moisture retention" as these tend to hold water longer. The opposite of what aloe needs!

Want to make your own?
Mix equal parts standard potting mix + any gritty ingredient. Perlite or coarse sand work great. Pumice or gravel are a good addition too if you have them on hand, but they are not necessary.

Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

Small white pot filled with soil and small white stones on a wooden surface

Looks like gritty and chunky beach sand. Like perlite, it improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

Looks like very tiny, gray and white pebbles. Helps prevent compact soil and improves airflow for the roots.

Looks like small, smooth stones in mixed colors. Like pumice, it helps prevent compact soil and improves airflow for the roots.

Cartoon pot with face holding a trowel, surrounded by plants and flowers on a white background

COMMON ISSUES

MUSHY LEAVES

A sign of overwatering or poor drainage of the pot. Remember to keep an aloe vera plant'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 an aloe plant 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 an aloe very plant 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.