Aloe vera care guideAloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Best-known medicinal succulent. Ranked #11 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.

Aloe vera (Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)) — a healthy specimen photographed indoors
Scientific name
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Origin
Arabian Peninsula
Difficulty
Easy
Light
Bright / direct light
Watering (summer)
every 14 to 21 days
Watering (winter)
every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less
Humidity
30-40%
Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs
IKEA SKU
70276651

WateringWhen and how much water

Water Aloe vera when the soil has dried out completely. In summer that's typically every 14 to 21 days; in winter slow down to every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.

The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.

LightHow bright a spot it needs

Aloe vera is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.

Pet safetyToxic to pets

Toxic to pets. The plant contains anthraquinones (saponins), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Aloe vera out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

Get the personalised schedule

Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Aloe vera based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.

Download Botanicaly

FAQCommon questions

How often should I water a Aloe vera?

Water your Aloe vera (Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)) when the soil has dried out completely. In summer, that's typically every 14 to 21 days; in winter, slow down to every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.

How much light does a Aloe vera need?

Aloe vera is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.

Is Aloe vera safe for cats and dogs?

The plant contains anthraquinones (saponins), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Aloe vera out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

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