Aloe Vera Care: Soil, Water, and Minimal Fertilizer

Soil Is Everything

Shallow, spreading roots need wide pots, excellent drainage. 50%+ coarse sand/gravel. Cactus mix > potting soil. No peat moss (holds water). No Miracle-Gro (kills microbes). Mix garden soil + sand + gravel.

Water: Less Is More

Desert succulent. Overwatering = #1 killer. Low humidity, quick evaporation. Water only when soil bone-dry.

Fertilizer: Barely Any

Rarely needed. Weak organic doses (bone meal, alfalfa) in sand/gravel mix at summer peak. pH-neutral only. Microbes in real soil make N-P-K available slowly.

Light and Temperature

Zone 10+ heat preferred. Florida too cold! Sunny window OK. Wide pot > deep pot.