How often to water an aloe vera plant so it thrives

This drought-tolerant houseplant can still dry out.

Key Takeaways

• Water aloe vera every 2–3 weeks in summer and less than once a month in winter.
• Check soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering or underwatering.
• Proper watering helps aloe vera thrive and prevents stress or root rot.

An aloe vera (Aloe vera) plant isn’t just an interesting houseplant. It also has medicinal value for any cooking mishaps or too much time in the sun. Break open its thick, fleshy leaves to reveal burn-healing gel. It’s also easy to care for. Keep it within reach in a bright, sunny window and water it once or twice a month. Since this succulent stores water in its leaves, it doesn’t need frequent waterings, which is good for plant parents who sometimes forget that part of caregiving. Though it doesn’t need water often, there is a proper technique to make sure its watering needs are met. Read on to learn the right way to water an aloe vera plant to help it thrive.

How Often To Water Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is native to the Arabian Peninsula and thrives in warm temperatures. While it can grow outdoors, you need to bring it inside when temperatures below 50ºF are expected. Make sure it gets full, bright sunlight and grows in well-drained, sandy soil. 

Since aloe vera stores water in its leaves, it’s pretty drought tolerant. You don’t need to water it often and the frequency changes with the seasons. Aloe vera grown in a pot will need water more often than plants grown in the ground because the soil dries out more quickly. Aim to water aloe vera about every two to three weeks during summer months and once a month or less when the plant is dormant in winter. Always check the soil’s moisture before watering again. Higher temperatures and more sunlight can cause the soil to dry out more quickly.

How To Water Aloe Vera

Bottom watering is recommended because watering over the top may not provide enough moisture for a critically dry plant. An aloe vera plant that is overly dry may not absorb water well, and the soil can actually repel moisture. The soil tends to pull away from the sides of the pot as it dries out or becomes compacted, and water poured over the top may run right down the pot’s sides instead of into the soil where it can reach the roots. Here’s how to give aloe vera a thorough watering:

1. Before you water, check the soil’s moisture. You don’t want to water aloe vera if the soil is still moist from last time. Poke a finger about 2 or 3 inches into the soil to test. If the soil is moist, hold off on watering. If it’s dry, grab your watering can.
2. To water from the bottom, fill a sink or container with an inch of water, and set the pot in the sink. Let it soak up water until the soil’s surface feels moist. 
3. Let the water drain from the sink or empty the container, and let any excess water run out of the pot.
4. To water from the top, make sure to water over the soil and avoid getting the leaves wet. Water until you see water coming from the bottom of the plant, then let any excess water drain before you put the plant back in its spot.

How To Tell If You’re Watering Wrong

While aloe vera can tolerate dry soil, it won’t thrive under the wrong conditions. Too little or too much water can stress the plant. To make sure you’re getting it right, look for these signs of watering issues.

Signs Of Overwatering

If your aloe vera plant’s leaves look soft, mushy, or yellow or you see browning at the base of the plant, it’s getting too much water. Overwatering can lead to mushy, brown roots and root rot. Take the plant from its pot and cut away any dead or damaged roots, then repot the plant in fresh soil. Check the soil for moisture before watering, and don’t let the pot sit in a saucer full of water. You may need to water less often if overwatering is a recurring issue.

Signs Of Underwatering

If your aloe vera plant isn’t getting enough water, its leaves will look thinner than usual or become limp or curled. You may also notice brown tips on the leaves. Give the plant a deep watering as described above. Don’t let leaves get to this point regularly between waterings because it’s a sign the plant is past its point of needing water and is becoming stressed.

Read the original article on Southern Living