Aloe care
Aloe vera — also called Aloe vera, Medicinal aloe. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Bright, some direct sun. Tolerates bright. Acclimate slowly to full sun or it sunburns. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 14 days in summer, every 30 in winter. Let the soil dry out completely first. |
| Soil | Fast-draining succulent mix — 4 parts potting mix, 4 parts pumice, 2 parts sand |
| Humidity | At least 20%, happiest near 40% |
| Temperature | 60–85°F. Cold damage below 40°F; heat stress in sun above 105°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~120 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 3 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Toxic. The latex layer is toxic to cats and dogs. |
What people get wrong about aloe
Flat, splaying leaves usually mean too little light. Thin, curled leaves mean thirst.
Rapidly browning/mushy base after a rainy week outdoors is rot — repot into dry gritty mix immediately.
Common problems
Watch for mealybugs, scale. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterAloe FAQ
How often should I water a aloe?
Roughly every 14 days in the growing season and every 30 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Deep soak then completely dry. Never let it sit in a saucer of water.
Is aloe toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. The latex layer is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
How much light does a aloe need?
Bright, some direct sun is ideal, and it will cope with bright. Acclimate slowly to full sun or it sunburns.
Why does my aloe have brown tips?
Aloe is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for aloe?
Fast-draining succulent mix: 4 parts potting mix, 4 parts pumice, 2 parts sand. Succulents and dracaenas rot in moisture-retentive mixes. Grit is the whole point.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.