Yes, we can keep Aloe Vera plants at home in pots or in the ground, so long as we can provide similar growing conditions to their native regions.
Aloes are easy to grow and are beneficial to have in any home. However, they tend to grow abnormally if their basic needs are not met.
In this article, you will learn the basics of growing Aloe Vera at home and some tips to take care of them where conditions are less than ideal.
Do Aloe Plants Need Direct Sunlight?
One of the most important things to note is that Aloe plants require about 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, they can survive in partial shade, at the risk of becoming leggy.
For instance, healthy Aloe Vera plants can grow up to 3 feet indoors under ideal conditions. Yet, they can grow much larger, with elongated stems and thin leaves, in poorly lit rooms.
You’ll need to ensure that your plants receive enough light by placing them on a window sill or growing them under a bright grow light to meet their requirements.
How To Grow Aloe Vera In Pots
Aloe vera makes amazing houseplants and can grow easily in pots. This comes in handy where space is limited, or the climate is unsuitable to keep them outside throughout the year.
However, before you start to grow your plant, you’ll need to choose a warm location that receives enough light throughout the day.
I prefer to place my aloe Vera under a mini greenhouse during the rainy season to protect them from excessive rainfall.
You’ll need to choose a container with proper drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. This is to ensure that your soil will not compact or become soggy.
You can grow your plants from aloe vera pups, or propagate them from stem cuttings. If neither is available, you should purchase a young potted plant from a local nursery or garden center.
There are several varieties of Aloe Vera, but you would likely get either Aloe Barbadensis or Aloe Chinensis, both of which are valued for their healing and therapeutic properties.
Aloe Vera plants usually grow slowly but can become massive over time. Be prepared to repot and prune the plant when necessary.
In most cases, you can grow aloe vera outside. However, you should carry the pots inside if the temperature drops below 50°F or above 85°F.
Growing Aloe Vera Indoors
Regardless of the temperature outside, you can grow aloe vera indoors, provided they receive enough sunlight.
As mentioned before, you can place your potted plants next to a large window or sunroom, where they can get the required light.
Usually, the temperature inside most homes is ideal for aloe plants. However, you’ll need to ensure a free flow of air and keep the room warm, even when you are not at home.
You can make use of a fan or cross-ventilation to remove excess humidity. This is particularly important in areas prone to fungal diseases.
Aloe Vera plants can take up to 4 years to reach maturity, by which time they can grow up to 3 feet tall. As a result, you will need to grow them in suitable pots and prepare in advance for their potential size.
How Much Water Does An Aloe Plant Need?
Aloe plants do not need much water to survive. In fact, some varieties can survive several months without water. As a result, many growers routinely allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Ideally, you should water aloe vera every 3 to 4 weeks, by thoroughly soaking the area around the root zone. However, ensure you check the moisture levels periodically.
For example, Aloe plants tend to go dormant in cooler temperatures, such as those experienced during the winter. As a result, they do not need any water during this time. You can confirm this by feeling the soil, which will remain moist for months.
Aloe Vera pups on the other hand require a bit more water than mature plants, due to the stage of development and size of their pots. However, do not mist your indoor plants since this can encourage the growth of harmful organisms.
You can move your aloe plants outside in warmer climates or during the summer. Ensure you do this gradually, as they can get sunburned if not acclimated to direct sunlight.
While outdoors, you will need to monitor the soil and repot your plants if they require water more than twice per week.
Related Questions
Where Should I Put Aloe Vera Plant In My House?
Aloe Vera should be placed in a well-lit, sunward-facing location, such as a window sill or sunroom, where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
What Are The Benefits Of Growing Aloe Vera Plant At Home?
Aloe Vera has several healing and therapeutic benefits, including treating minor cuts, sunburns, and dry, rough skin. All of which you can make use of by growing them at home.
