Plants
Aloe vera care: light, water & problems
Scientific name: Aloe vera · Common name: Aloe vera
A rosette of fleshy lance-shaped leaves with small marginal teeth. Do not identify every ornamental aloe as A. vera.
Editorial revision:
Care at a glance
- Light
- Strong light; acclimatise it gradually to direct exposure.
- Watering
- Let the mix dry between waterings and empty the saucer.
How to identify it
A rosette of fleshy lance-shaped leaves with small marginal teeth. Do not identify every ornamental aloe as A. vera.
Light
Strong light; acclimatise it gradually to direct exposure.
Watering
Let the mix dry between waterings and empty the saucer.
Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.
Environment and placement
It needs free-draining mix and frost protection in a pot.
Potting mix and feeding
Prioritise a very free-draining mix and a pot with holes. Heavy mix that remains wet for weeks raises root risk.
Feed sparingly during active growth if needed; do not fertilise a plant weakened by overwatering.
Problems to check
Translucent leaves or a soft base with wet mix call for a root check.
How to assess yellow leavesCommon question
Can I use gel from any aloe?
No. Identify the species first; this care guide is not medical advice.
Botanical source
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