Aloe Vera: How to Grow and Use This Healing Succulent Indoors

Aloe vera is a popular succulent with variegated leaves that fan out from a central base. It's an excellent kitchen companion—place it near a sunny window for easy access to the soothing gel inside its leaves, which relieves pain from minor scrapes and burns.

Planting

• Choose a wide container with a well-draining potting mix designed for cacti and succulents.
• Position in bright indirect sunlight or under artificial grow lights.

Care

• Water deeply, then allow the soil to dry 1 to 2 inches deep between waterings to prevent rot. Reduce watering further in winter.
• Aloe produces offsets (pups) that can be separated to create new plants. Remove the mother plant from its pot, locate where offsets attach, and sever with a clean knife. Let cuts callus for a day or two, then pot in standard succulent mix. Place in a sunny spot and wait a week before watering; keep soil on the dry side.

Pests & Diseases

Common issues include mealybugs and scale. Diseases such as root rot, soft rot, fungal stem rot, and leaf rot can occur, usually due to overwatering.

Recommended Varieties

Other attractive aloes include Tiger Aloe (Aloe variegata) and Lace Aloe (A. aristata).

Tips & Trivia

• Aloe vera doubles as a living first-aid kit on your kitchen shelf. Discover more about its natural health benefits.
• Its most famous use is soothing sunburned skin, but it can also help with cold sores.