Growing guide
Growing aloe vera at home
A near-indestructible succulent for sunny windows and dry land.
At a glance
- Planting window
- February – March or July – August from suckers
- Duration
- Perennial; leaves from 8–10 months
- Climate
- 20–35 °C
- Soil
- Sandy, gritty mix; pH 6.5–8
- Water need
- Low
Can you grow aloe vera at home?
Good fit — Aloe vera suits the north-west plains.
- undefined: Grows in a pot with bright sun.
Growing it at home
- Container: Terracotta pot with a big drainage hole
- Light: Bright sun
- Water sparingly; less in winter.
- Separate pups when they appear.
Varieties to consider
Buy certified seed or planting material from an authorised source.
- Aloe barbadensis Miller — The medicinal and cosmetic species.
Water
- Only when the soil is completely dry — every 2–3 weeks.
- Soft, mushy leaves mean too much water.
Pests and diseases to watch
Prevent first; spray only when needed, with a product registered for the crop, at label dose.
- Mealybugs (undefined) — undefined Treatment: undefined
- Root rot (undefined) — undefined Treatment: undefined
What would you like to do next?
Read more on Agriculture Novel
Where these numbers come from
- Standard plant science
