Aloe vera plants boast a whole host of benefits. From healing wounds, antibacterial effects and reducing inflammation on the face. But maintaining healthy aloe vera plants can be a challenge if you’re a newbie, or if you find your plant suddenly looking a little sad and sorry for itself. 

Seed Barn has provided some expert tips guiding plant growers on how to properly care and maintain a health aloe vera plant.

Light

• Ensure your aloe vera plant has access to at least six hours of indirect sunlight per day. Without this, your Aloe Vera will become weak and leggy, leading the stems to topple over or stretch

Temperature

• Aloe vera’s don’t thrive in cold temperatures, meaning they shouldn’t  be outside during the autumn winter months. 13-27 degrees is a good rule of thumb to help your Aloe vera flourish. During the summer months, your Aloe vera can handle some outside time but be sure to bring it back in as the temperature starts to cool down

Watering

• Make sure your Aloe vera is getting enough water, but not over watering. Aloe is a succulent, meaning its leaves store water and are used to dry environments. Try watering your plant every two to three weeks, and sparingly if at all during the autumn and winter

Soil 

• Aloe grow best in well-draining soil. Gardening soil is not the best choice, so opt for a potting mix or make your own with a combination of peat moss, sand and perlite

Potting

• Opt for a terra cotta pot or one made of a porous material, as Aloe vera are tender. This allows your soil to stay dry. Plastic pots can work, but they will keep the soil moist for a longer period of time. The pot should be about as wide as it is deep and needs to be heavy, to avoid it tipping over

Pruning 

• Avoid heavily pruning your plant. Only prune your Aloe vera if the leaves are shrivelled and dead. If the outer leaves of your Aloe vera plant are brown, they need to be cut back. Be mindful to never cut an Aloe leaf in the centre

Monitoring 

• The leaves are the first tell-tale sign of an Aloe plant in poor condition. If the plant’s leaves are thin and curling, it’s likely your plant needs watering. Analyse the plant’s leaves for the direction of growth. Healthy Aloe vera should grow upwards, but if leaves appears flat; your leaves may not receive enough sunlight, so moving your plant could be beneficial” 

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