If you’re searching for a houseplant that’s not only beautiful but also practical, aloe vera should be at the top of your list. Famous for its soothing gel used in skin care, sunburn relief, and minor wound treatments, aloe vera is also a low-maintenance, hardy succulent that thrives indoors. Its sculptural, spiky leaves add a modern, natural touch to your home while offering health benefits right at your fingertips.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to start growing aloe vera indoors — from choosing the right plant and pot to proper care, propagation, and troubleshooting common issues.
Why Grow Aloe Vera Indoors?
There’s more to aloe vera than its gel. Here’s why this plant makes an excellent addition to your home:
- Air Purifier: Aloe vera can help filter indoor air by removing pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.
- Natural Remedy: Its sap soothes burns, cuts, and skin irritations.
- Low Maintenance: Aloe is drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal care.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Its spiky, fleshy leaves complement modern and bohemian decor styles.
- Pet Caution: Note that while aloe vera is healing for humans, it can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Selecting Your Aloe Vera Plant
When choosing an aloe vera plant to grow indoors:
- Look for Healthy Leaves: Choose a plant with firm, plump, green leaves with no mushy spots or discoloration.
- Inspect for Pests: Check leaf undersides and soil for aphids or spider mites.
- Choose a Manageable Size: A medium plant is easier to acclimate indoors, but even small offsets (called “pups”) can be grown into healthy adult plants.
Common varieties include:
- Aloe barbadensis miller (the classic medicinal type)
- Aloe aristata (lace aloe, a compact ornamental variety)
- Aloe juvenna (tiger tooth aloe, known for its spiky edges)
The Right Pot and Soil
Pot Selection:
- Opt for a terra cotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes.
- Aloe vera’s shallow, wide root system prefers broad, shallow containers.
Soil Requirements:
- Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
- You can mix your own:
- 2 parts potting soil
- 1 part coarse sand or perlite
- 1 part small gravel or pumice
Avoid regular garden soil, which retains too much moisture and leads to root rot.
Light and Temperature Requirements
Aloe vera loves bright, indirect sunlight. Ideally:
- Place your plant near a south- or west-facing window.
- Avoid prolonged direct midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- If natural light is insufficient, supplement with a grow light for at least 6-8 hours daily.
Temperature Range:
- Ideal: 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C)
- Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Aloe vera enjoys moderate humidity but generally thrives in the average indoor environment.
How to Water Aloe Vera Indoors
Aloe is a succulent adapted to arid conditions, so overwatering is the quickest way to harm it.
Watering Tips:
- Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Water deeply until it drains from the bottom, then empty excess water from the saucer.
- In winter, reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks.
Signs of Overwatering:
- Soft, mushy, or yellowing leaves.
- Foul-smelling, soggy soil.
Signs of Underwatering:
- Wrinkled, drooping leaves.
Feeding and Fertilizing
Aloe vera is not a heavy feeder, but occasional fertilizing encourages healthy growth.
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-40-10 or 15-30-15) diluted to half strength.
- Fertilize only during the active growing season: spring and summer.
- Feed every 6-8 weeks — avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Pruning and Maintenance
Aloe vera doesn’t require frequent pruning, but you can:
- Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base with clean scissors.
- Trim leaves for medicinal use by cutting close to the base and using the inner gel.
- Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and allow the plant to breathe.
Propagating Aloe Vera Indoors
Aloe vera produces pups, or baby plants, around its base. Propagating these is a simple and rewarding way to grow your collection.
Propagation Steps:
- Wait until pups have at least 3-4 leaves and are about 3-4 inches tall.
- Remove the plant from the pot and gently separate the pups from the mother plant, ensuring each has roots.
- Plant pups in small pots with succulent soil mix.
- Water lightly and place in indirect sunlight.
- New growth should appear within 3-4 weeks.
Common Aloe Vera Problems (and Solutions)
1. Soft, Yellow Leaves:
Cause: Overwatering.
Solution: Allow soil to dry completely before watering again.
2. Browning Leaf Tips:
Cause: Fluoride in tap water, too much direct sun, or fertilizer salts.
Solution: Use filtered or distilled water and move the plant to indirect light.
3. Leaves Curling Inward:
Cause: Underwatering or stress from low humidity.
Solution: Water thoroughly when soil is dry and mist occasionally if air is too dry.
4. Pest Infestations:
Signs: Sticky residue, webbing, or small insects.
Solution: Remove pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Indoor Aloe Decor Ideas
Aloe vera’s sculptural appearance makes it perfect for:
- Windowsill arrangements alongside other succulents.
- Minimalist planters on desks, kitchen counters, or shelves.
- Hanging pots or vertical planters for space-saving green decor.
- Grouped plant displays with cacti and other drought-tolerant plants.
Its elegant green spikes and health benefits make it as practical as it is pretty.
How to Harvest Aloe Vera Gel
1. Select a mature, outer leaf (plump and green).
2. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut the leaf close to the base.
3. Rinse and dry the leaf.
4. Slice it open lengthwise and scoop out the clear gel.
5. Use immediately for burns, scrapes, or as a skincare ingredient.
Refrigerate any unused gel in an airtight container for up to a week.
Final Thoughts
Growing aloe vera indoors is a gratifying and virtually effortless way to add greenery and natural healing to your home. With minimal care, this hardy succulent rewards you with its sculptural beauty, air-purifying qualities, and soothing medicinal gel.
Whether you’re a new plant parent or a seasoned green thumb, aloe vera makes an attractive, functional, and easygoing companion for your indoor garden.