Aloe vera

Common Names

Aloe Vera, True Aloe, Medicine Plant, Medicinal Aloe, Aloe

Summary

Aloe vera is a drought-tolerant succulent native to Africa, commonly grown as a low-maintenance houseplant or outdoor plant in warm climates, reaching about 1–2 feet tall. It has thick, fleshy, serrated leaves containing gel used to soothe burns and moisturize skin. It prefers well-draining sandy or cactus mix, bright indirect light (direct sun can scorch), temperatures around 55–85°F, and deep but infrequent watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry; it propagates easily via offsets or pups.

Gels and extracts appear in skincare and cosmetics; outdoors it may bloom on tall spikes under ideal conditions, though indoor blooms are rare. For care, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, repot when needed, fertilize sparingly, and watch for pests such as mealybugs and scale. It can be toxic to pets if ingested; indoors it suits sunny windows, while outdoors it grows year-round in USDA zones 8–11.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

24-30 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun with about 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, Partial Sun: bright indirect sun around 6 hours daily, Partial Shade: bright indirect light; avoid direct sun; several hours of bright light

Soil Type

Well-draining soil, preferably sandy or cactus/succulent potting mix (potting soil with perlite or sand), avoid regular garden soil

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.5, Neutral (around 7)

Bloom Color

Yellow, sometimes orange or red depending on variety.

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Greenish-gray to bright green, blue-green, gray-green, silver-green, green with gray mottling, green with white spots

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast growth, reaches maturity in about 3–4 years

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter.

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts hummingbirds