Aloe vera care: watering and light
Aloe vera is a succulent: it stores water in its thick leaves and wants sun, free-draining soil and little water. On a sunny windowsill, it practically looks after itself.
Aloe vera needs water roughly every 16 days in summer and every 38 in winter (south- or west-facing window, in a 16 cm plastic pot with a drainage hole). Before watering, always check with a finger in the soil: if it’s still damp, wait.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Aloe vera
- Preferred light
- Full sun
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Tolerates drought
- Yes
- Tolerates shade
- No
- Where it lives
- Indoors or outdoors
Where to put it
It wants as much light as possible: a south- or west-facing window, a sunny kitchen, or a balcony in summer. In low light it stretches, the leaves go thin and flop over. If it has been indoors, get it used to strong sun gradually so it doesn’t scorch.
In mild, frost-free climates it can live outdoors all year, sheltered from heavy winter rain.
How to water
Water deeply, and only when the soil is completely dry. In winter, hardly at all. Use cactus and succulent compost and, if you can, a terracotta pot, which helps the soil dry out.
Common mistakes
Soft, translucent leaves or a dark base mean too much water — the mistake that kills the most aloes. Thin, wrinkled leaves are asking for water. Leaves turning reddish-brown in the sun are usually a tan, not a disease.
How many days between waterings, spot by spot
| Where it lives | In July | In January |
|---|---|---|
| South- or west-facing window | 16 days | 38 days |
| Kitchen window | 16 days | 38 days |
| East-facing window | 18 days | 43 days |
| Sunny balcony | 15 days | 34 days |