Aloe vera is the classic kitchen-window succulent — a striking rosette of fleshy serrated leaves filled with healing gel. It thrives on neglect, tolerates intense sun, and produces its famous burn-soothing gel within 18 months of planting.
Quick reference
| Scientific name | Aloe barbadensis miller |
|---|---|
| Common names | Aloe Vera, Burn Plant, First Aid Plant |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Native to | Arabian Peninsula |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Pet safety | The clear gel is non-toxic and used topically and medicinally. The yellow latex underneath the skin is mildly toxic to pets and humans. |
Aloe Vera care guide
Light
Direct or very bright indirect sunlight — a south-facing window is ideal. Indoor aloes that don't see real sun become pale and floppy.
Water
Water deeply once every 2–3 weeks in spring and summer, every 4–6 weeks in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings. Yellow translucent leaves mean overwatering.
Humidity
Indifferent to humidity. Thrives in dry indoor air and hates damp.
Temperature
Comfortable from 13–27 °C (55–80 °F). Bring indoors before night temperatures drop below 5 °C.
Soil
Cactus or succulent mix. Drainage is critical — never use a pot without drainage holes.
Fertilizer
Feed once in spring with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer. Aloes do not need much feeding.
Pruning
Remove outer leaves at the base for the gel; the plant will continue producing new growth from the centre.
Repotting
Every 2–3 years. Aloes love to produce offsets ('pups') around the base — separate these during repotting to multiply your plant.
Propagation
Pull off pups (small rosettes that emerge around the base) when they reach 5–10 cm. Let the cut end callus for 1–2 days, then plant in dry cactus mix.
Common Aloe Vera problems
Soft, translucent yellow leaves
Cause: Overwatering.
Fix: Stop watering immediately. Let the soil dry completely. Remove badly affected leaves and check the roots for rot.
Brown, crispy leaf tips
Cause: Sunburn or underwatering.
Fix: Move slightly out of direct sun and water more consistently. Aloes adapted to indoor light need gradual reintroduction to full sun.
Floppy, pale leaves
Cause: Not enough light.
Fix: Move to a sunnier spot — direct sun is best. Aloes will tolerate weeks of poor light but eventually lose structure.
How PlantCare Pro can help with your Aloe Vera
Scan your Aloe Vera in the PlantCare Pro app to confirm the species, get a 0–100 health score, and receive a personalised, weather-aware care plan. Save it to My Garden to track its health over time and get notified when something looks wrong.
Aloe Vera FAQ
How often should I water aloe vera?
Every 2–3 weeks in spring and summer, every 4–6 weeks in winter. Always wait until the soil is completely dry to the bottom of the pot before watering. Overwatering is the only common cause of aloe failure.
Can I use my own aloe gel on burns?
Yes — the clear gel inside mature leaves is the same gel found in commercial aloe products and is safe for minor burns and skin irritation. Avoid the yellow latex layer just under the skin, which can cause irritation.
Why is my aloe vera growing sideways?
Reaching for light. Move to a sunnier spot and rotate the pot weekly so the plant grows upright. Severely leaning plants can be repotted upright in fresh soil.