Aloe Vera in Central Texas: Heat, Cold, and Water Balance

Aloe vera in central Texas handles 103°F easily but needs winter protection and careful watering. 12+ inches annual rain = no supplemental water if in ground.

Heat Tolerance

• Thrives to 115°F+ (Arizona standard)
• Afternoon shade beneficial (prevents leaf tip burn)
• Pot = more heat stress than ground

Cold Tolerance

• Aloe vera: survives light frost (25-28°F)
• Most ornamental aloes: damaged below 32°F
• Pot: roots freeze faster → move to garage

Watering by Situation

Signs of Overwatering

• Soft, translucent leaves
• Black/brown base
• Leaves pull off easily
• Fungus gnats

Optimization

• Ground: plant on mound in gritty soil
• Pot: terra cotta, 50% pumice mix
• Mulch: gravel (not organic)
• Winter: dry, bright, cool

Your 103°F is fine. The risk is winter wet + cold, or summer overwatering.