How to grow and care for aloe vera plants

While every plant is a beautiful addition to your home, it can be fun to grow certain types that are actually useful, too. While your mind undoubtedly goes to culinary herbs like parsley or basil, there are a surprising number of options at your disposal. One of our favorites? The aloe vera plant.

A hardy succulent beloved for both its sculptural beauty and its practical benefits, aloe vera is native to arid climates and thus doesn’t require much maintenance once established. They store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, which are filled with a clear gel valued for its skin-soothing properties; it’s commonly applied to minor burns, sunburns, skin irritation, and dry patches, making it a staple in many natural first-aid kits and skincare routines.

Beyond its usefulness, aloe is remarkably easy to grow indoors, thriving with bright light and infrequent watering. Learn how to plant and care for aloe using our tips below.

How to Care for an Aloe Vera Plant

Soil

Aloe vera plants thrive in fast-draining soil that won't hold onto excess moisture around their roots. A cactus or succulent potting mix is the easiest choice, as it's formulated with sand, perlite, or other coarse materials that improve drainage. If you're making your own mix, combine standard potting soil with equal parts coarse sand or perlite. No matter what soil you use, plant your aloe in a container with drainage holes—standing water is one of the quickest ways to cause root rot and shorten the plant's life.

Light

Bright, indirect light is ideal for the aloe plant, though mature plants can also tolerate several hours of direct morning sun. Place your aloe near a south- or west-facing window where it receives plenty of natural light throughout the day. You’ll know if the plant isn’t getting enough sun if its leaves become pale, thin, or stretched as it reaches for more light. On the other hand, too much bright light—especially after moving the plant outdoors—can scorch the leaves, so it's best to acclimate aloe gradually to brighter conditions.

Water

When it comes to watering any succulent, less is more. Aloe vera stores moisture in its leaves, allowing it to go for weeks between waterings. Water deeply only after the soil has dried out completely, then allow any excess water to drain away. During the growing season (spring and summer), this may mean watering every two to three weeks, while in fall and winter, the plant may only need a drink once a month or even less. Wrinkled or slightly limp leaves are often a sign the plant needs water, while soft, mushy leaves usually indicate it's being overwatered.

How to Plant Aloe Vera

Now that you've chosen the correct soil, location, and pot, it's time to go ahead and plant it! Here's how:

1. Rinse your new pot or scrub a previously used pot.
2. Let your pot dry completely before adding soil.
3. Place a piece of screen—or newspaper/paper towel—at the bottom of the pot to prevent soil from falling through the drain hole.
4. Remove the aloe plant from its current pot.
5. Gently brush off excess dirt from roots.
6. Fill the pot approximately 1/3 of the way with your soil.
7. Place your plant in the soil.
8. Fill in more soil around the plant, leaving at least 3/4" between the soil and the rim of the pot. (Note: The bottom leaves of the aloe plant should rest just above the soil.)
9. Wait at least a week before you water your aloe plant for the first time to allow it to acclimate to its new home.

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