Aloe vera plants are one of the most popular houseplants. With origins in tropical parts of the world such as southern Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula, to name a few, its gel has been used for centuries to soothe burns, heal wounds, and fight inflammation. The aloe vera gel is high in antioxidants and minerals, which is why it’s so beneficial for the skin.

Unsurprisingly some individuals buy aloe vera plants because they want to enjoy the benefits of the gel inside the leaves however, they end up killing their plant because they don’t know how to take care of it.

With some TLC, your aloe plant will last for years. When choosing an aloe plant for your home, make sure to pick a healthy one. The leaves should be green and plump, with no brown spots.

So, let’s look at some simple tips to care for your plant, and you’ll be well on your way to having one that is healthy and thriving.

Snapshot

Common names	Aloe vera
Botanical name	Aloe barbadensis miller
Light	Bright, indirect
Water	Water thoroughly and infrequently
Potting Soil	Well-draining; soil to dry out completely between watering
Toxicity	Toxic to pets

Watering

Although aloe plants do not need frequent watering, you must water your plant thoroughly.

Be mindful that overwatering can kill your plant, so allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.

Now, if you leave the soil dry for too long, the plant will start to wilt. In this case, you can water it sparingly, but make sure to let the soil dry out again before watering.

Light Requirements

Aloe vera plants prefer bright, indirect light. If you can’t provide a lot of natural light, you can supplement with a grow light for about 12 hours per day.

Placing your aloe plant about 3 feet away from either a west-or-south-facing window will help it grow tall and spindly.   And rotating the plant once or twice per week to ensure that all sides get an equal amount of light is recommended.

Temperature Requirements

Aloe plants do well in a range of temperatures. In the winter months, a range of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 18 degrees Celsius) will not be harmful.  And during the summer, a temperature range of you 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 29 degrees Celsius) is good.

Keep your plant away from drafty windows and doorways.

Fertilizing

Aloe plants don’t need to be fertilized often, but you can do so a couple of times a year. Use a water-soluble fertilizer, diluted by half the strength recommended on the label, or use liquid seaweed extract.

Water your plant well the day before fertilizing to clear out any remaining salts.

Pruning

Although aloe plants don’t need to be pruned regularly, if there are any dry or damaged leaves, this is an indicator that it’s time to prune your plant.

Be sure to use scissors or pruning shears, locate the affected leaves, and cut as close to the bottom of each leaf as you possibly can.  The remainder of the leaf will shrivel up by itself.  You’ll want to wear gloves when pruning, as gel might seep out in the process. As well, gloves will protect your hands against the plant’s sharp leaves.

Soil Requirements

Aloe plants like well-drained soil. A soil mix that is 50% potting soil and 50% sand will work well.

If you live in a humid climate, you may need to increase the amount of sand in the soil mix.

Toxicity

The aloe plant is considered toxic to pets. And if ingested, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. So, if you have pets, be sure to keep the plant out of reach.

As far as people are concerned, overall, the plant’s gel is non-toxic.  However, the latex component of the plant could be deadly, if consumed in large quantities.  Take a look at  Can You Eat Aloe Vera? on healthline.com for information.

Repotting

Aloe plants don’t need to be re-potted often.  You’ll know when it’s time to repot when the pot becomes too full and there’s not much room for the plant to grow.

When repotting, opt for a wider pot instead of a deeper pot. This will help keep the plant sturdy.

Propagation

The best way to propagate an aloe plant is by taking a cutting from the mother plant. Cut off a 4–6-inch piece of stem from the mother plant and remove the leaves from the bottom 2-3 inches.

Place the cutting in a pot of succulent soil mix and water sparingly. Keep in a sunny location and wait for new leaves to grow. After a few weeks, you can transplant the cutting into a new pot.

Rate of growth

Aloe vera plants grow slowly and typically reach their full height in about 4 years. A healthy aloe plant will generally only grow 1-2 inches a year.

Aloe plants typically grow to be approximately 2 feet tall (60 cm) and 1-2 feet wide (30 to 60 cm).

Extracting aloe vera gel

Now, as already mentioned, in addition to being an easy-to-care-for plant, this plant’s popularity is largely due to the gel inside its leaves. To extract the gel, follow these steps:

• Remove one of the outer, healthy leaves from the plant by cutting it at the bottom using scissors or pruning shears.
• Wash the leaf and stand it in a cup for approximately 15 minutes. By doing this, you’re draining out some of the residue that contains latex
• Cut along the length of the leaf and you’ll see the gel inside. 
• Extract the gel out of the leaf over a bowl or other container. Either use your hands to squeeze out the gel into the container or scoop out the gel with a spoon.

• Refrigerate in a sealed container. Some prefer to cut the gel into cubes. If stored in the fridge, the gel can keep for up to seven days. And if stored in the freezer, it can keep for up to one year. 

Summary

It’s easy to see why the aloe vera plant is a popular one. In addition to being low maintenance, the gel has a host of benefits for your skin.

So, follow these simple tips and your plant will thrive for years to come.