Aloe vera
Aloe vera Care Guide
Featured photoaloe-vera.jpgAloe vera is the medicinal aloe, a North African succulent with thick, toothed, blue-green leaves arranged in rosettes. The leaves contain a clear gel widely used topically for minor burns and skin irritation. It is one of the most-grown indoor succulents because of its medicinal use and tolerance of indoor neglect, although it does need bright sun and very dry conditions to thrive.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Water deeply when the mix is fully dry; typically every 2 to 3 weeks in summer.
- Humidity
- 30–50 %
- Temperature
- 15–29 °C
- Soil
- Free-draining cactus or succulent mix with extra perlite or pumice.
- Toxicity
- Mildly toxic if eaten in quantity (the yellow latex layer just under the skin is a strong laxative). Topical gel is safe. (humans) · Toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA Aloe listing — saponins and anthraquinones cause vomiting. (pets)
- Origin
- Arabian Peninsula and northeast Africa, widely cultivated.
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm tall and wide.
Overview
Aloe vera has been cultivated for medicinal use for thousands of years. The clear gel inside the leaves is widely used for minor burns; the yellow latex layer between gel and skin is a strong purgative and should not be applied or ingested.
Care Priorities
- Full sun or very bright filtered light.
- Water rarely; the thick leaves store ample reserves.
- Free-draining mix; rot is the leading killer.
- Detach offsets to keep colonies tidy and propagate.
Common Problems
Mushy base is overwatering. Pale, stretched leaves are low light. Brown leaf tips are usually old age and harmless.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Can I really use it on a burn?
The clear inner gel is widely used for minor burns. Avoid the yellow latex layer between gel and skin, which is irritating.
Why is it dropping leaves?
Aloe rarely drops leaves. Soft, mushy leaves at the base are rot from overwatering.
How big does it get?
Mature plants reach 60 to 90 cm tall and wide. Smaller offsets emerge constantly and can be detached.
