Aloe

What you'll need:

A pot with drainage holes (at least 8-10 inches wide)

Cactus or succulent soil mix (or regular soil mixed with sand for better drainage)

• An Aloe vera plant or a small "pup" (a baby offshoot from a mature plant)
• A bright, sunny spot in your home or garden

Why Aloe is great for beginners: Aloe vera is super low-maintenance and doesn’t need much attention. It’s perfect if you’re just starting out because it thrives on neglect!

Choosing the right spot: Aloe loves light! Find a place that gets plenty of indirect sunlight, like a windowsill or a balcony. If you’re growing it indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. Just make sure it's not in direct sunlight all day, as that might scorch the leaves.

Tip: If you don't have a bright indoor spot, you can use a grow light to keep your Aloe happy.

If using a pup:

1. Gently remove the pup from the mother plant by wiggling it loose or cutting it with a clean knife. Let the cut end dry out for a day or two—this helps prevent rot.
2. Fill your pot with cactus or succulent soil, leaving enough room for the roots.
3. Dig a small hole and place the pup inside, covering the roots but keeping the base of the plant level with the soil surface.
4. Lightly press the soil around the base of the plant so it stands upright.

If repotting an existing Aloe:

1. Carefully remove the Aloe from its current pot, shaking off excess soil.
2. Trim any dead or mushy roots with clean scissors.
3. Place the plant in the new pot, adding fresh soil around it until it feels secure.
4. Don’t water immediately after planting—wait about a week to let the roots settle.

Watering tip: Always err on the side of caution; it’s better to underwater than overwater Aloe!

Watering:

• Water sparingly! Aloe stores water in its thick leaves, so it doesn’t need frequent watering. Only water when the top inch of soil feels completely dry—this could be every 2-3 weeks or even less often depending on the season.
• When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly and then let it drain completely. Never let the plant sit in standing water.

Light:

• Aloe needs lots of bright, indirect light. If the leaves start to turn brown or yellow, it might be getting too much direct sun. Move it slightly away from the window.
• If the plant is stretching toward the light (getting “leggy”), it’s not getting enough sun. Try moving it closer to a brighter spot.

Fertilizing:

• Aloe doesn’t need much fertilizer. You can give it a light feeding once or twice a year during spring and summer using a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer.
• Skip fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is resting.

Temperature:

• Aloe likes warm temperatures between 55-80°F (13-27°C). Avoid cold drafts or placing it near air conditioning vents.

Tip: Aloe grows slowly, so don’t expect rapid changes. Be patient—it will reward you with healthy growth over time.

When to harvest gel: You can harvest Aloe gel when you notice the leaves are plump and healthy, usually after the plant has matured (which takes about 3-4 years). The outer, lower leaves are the best ones to use.

How to harvest:

1. Choose a large, mature leaf from the bottom of the plant.
2. Using a sharp, clean knife, cut the leaf as close to the base as possible.
3. Let the cut end dry for a few minutes to seal before using.
4. To extract the gel, slice the leaf open lengthwise and scoop out the clear, jelly-like substance with a spoon.

Using the gel:

• Aloe gel is great for soothing skin irritations, sunburns, or minor cuts. You can apply it directly to your skin.
• You can also blend it into smoothies or drinks for its health benefits—but make sure to remove the yellow sap (latex) under the skin, as it can be irritating.

Tip: Only harvest what you need and leave the rest of the plant to continue growing.

Q: Why are my Aloe leaves turning brown and crispy?A: This usually means your Aloe isn’t getting enough water. While Aloe is drought-tolerant, it still needs occasional watering. Check the soil—if it’s bone dry, give it a good soak.

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow and mushy?A: Overwatering is likely the culprit. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and that you’re letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. Cut back on watering and let the plant recover.

Q: My Aloe is leaning toward the light. What should I do?A: Your plant is stretching toward the light because it’s not getting enough. Rotate the pot regularly to ensure all sides get equal sunlight, or move it closer to a brighter window.

Q: Can I grow Aloe outdoors?A: Yes, but only if you live in a warm climate (zones 9-11). Aloe can’t handle frost or cold temperatures. In cooler climates, bring it indoors during the winter.

Q: How do I deal with pests on my Aloe?A: Aloe is pretty pest-resistant, but mealybugs or scale insects can sometimes appear. Wipe them off with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Keep an eye out for recurring infestations.