Aloe vera can be grown outdoors as a landscape plant in frost-free climates. Like all succulents, it grows best in well-drained soil and bright, sunny conditions. Indoor-grown plants can transition outside for the summer, even in cold climates—as long as nighttime temperatures don’t dip consistently below 50 degrees F. Place plants in a spot that receives direct morning sun and afternoon shade and is protected from rain. Plant aloe transplants or offsets in quality, well-drained potting mix. Replant aloe every few years to refresh the soil. The size of an aloe plant is determined largely by the space it has for root growth. If you would like a large plant, repot it into a large pot to give it more room to grow. If you would like to maintain a small plant, confine it to a small container. Keep aloe happy by fertilizing it a few times a year with general-purpose fertilizer labeled for use on houseplants per the manufacturer’s instructions. Did you kill your aloe plant? Find out here.
Types of Aloe
Aloe vera is the most common type of aloe, but there are many other varieties, some featuring decorative leaves.
