Aloe Plants are a great Beginner Plant and with just a few tips you can have a thriving plant for many years.

You've heard all about the great medicinal properties of aloes and that they are super easy to care for.  

If you give your aloe the right care (which is minimal) you can have a gorgeous aloe in your life for many years to come and enjoy all of the the aloe vera plant benefits.  

Here are some simple care tips to keep your aloe thriving.

WATER

How do I know when to water my aloe plant?

The first thing to keep in mind with an aloe plant is that it's always better to under water than over water.  What does that mean exactly?

Aloes don't need to be watered all of the time, in fact, they don't mind being dry.  Think about where they come from...a dry, arid environment.  They are used to going for periods without any water.  

Like other succulents, they actually store water in their roots and stems so even if you forget to water your aloe, it's not going to die on you right away. 

Before you water it, make sure that the soil is completely dry.  

I like to let my plants tell me when they need a drink and with the aloe that means that the stems start to get soft and they begin to curl. That's the sign that they are starting to need some water.  

How long can aloe plants go without water? 

Typically aloes get watered every 2-4 weeks.  Of course this depends on where you live and the environment that they are in so this may vary slightly.

In the winter it will be closer to every 3-4 weeks as with the colder weather, your aloe won't dry out as quickly.

Do you water aloe vera from the top or the bottom?

When it's time to water, I use the Drain and Drench method which means putting it in the sink or the tub and letting a slow stream of water run through the soil so that it gets nice and wet. I let it drain and then forget about it until it's time to water again.



LIGHT

Do aloe plants need direct sunlight?

For the type of light...aloes like to get lots of indirect bright light.  Again thinking about where aloes come from (the desert) they like the sun.  

Can aloe plants get too much sun?

I always suggest a spot within 5 feet of a window. Just make sure your aloe isn't touching a hot window or in direct sun for too long because it can actually burn.  Believe me, I've made the mistake a time or two.

Can you keep an aloe plant inside?

Yes! You definitely can.  You just need to ensure that you place it in a spot where it can get bright indirect light.  A west facing window is great, as is a south facing window.  You just need to make sure that if it's in front of a south facing window which gets the harshest light, that it's not too close to the windows and the direct light.

Once you have the watering and lighting right all that's left to do is just enjoy it.

Have a question about Aloes, leave us a comment below.