Aloe Vera is technically part of the grass tree family, even though it looks a lot more like a cactus or an agave. It’s a huge favorite for indoor gardeners, and because it’s so low-maintenance, it’s the perfect “starter plant” if you’re just getting your hands dirty for the first time. With just a little bit of TLC, it’ll reward you every spring with a stunning, torch-like flower spike.
What Does Aloe Vera Look Like?
Aloe Vera is a stemless plant featuring thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. You’ll notice little spikes along the edges of the leaves—those are its natural defense!
Because those leaves act like water storage tanks, the plant can go a long time without a drink. Once an Aloe Vera reaches maturity, it regularly puts on a show in the spring with a long-stemmed flower cluster.
The Beautiful Blooms
Around January, you’ll see a long flower stalk start to peek out from between the leaf rosettes. It grows straight up, sometimes branching out into one or two side shoots. At the very top, you get a dense cluster of tubular flowers that bloom in early spring in shades of yellow, orange, or red. One of the coolest things about the blooming phase is that you can often see withered flowers, fully open blooms, and new buds all on the same stalk at once.
Anatomy of the Flower
The flower stalk can reach an impressive height of 2 to 3 feet. At the top sits the tapered flower cluster, which is usually about 12 to 15 inches long. The colorful, slightly bellied tubes hang from tiny stems and narrow slightly at the tips. If you look closely, you’ll see the stamens and styles poking out about 5 mm from the flower.
When Can You Expect Flowers?
Patience is key here! It usually takes about three years for an Aloe Vera to reach “adulthood” and bloom for the first time. Once it’s mature, it develops that signature long stalk. If you give it the right growing conditions and—this is the secret—a proper winter rest, your Aloe will bloom like clockwork every single year.
Since Aloe Vera isn’t frost-hardy, you’ll need to bring it inside once temperatures dip toward 50°F (10°C). To get those spring flowers, it needs to spend the winter in a bright but cool spot (ideally between 50°F and 60°F). Great spots include:
- An unheated bedroom
- A bright stairwell
- A garage with a window
- An unheated sunroom or conservatory
Avoid the bathroom, though—the humidity is usually too high for an Aloe’s liking. While it’s in its winter home, give it very little water and skip the fertilizer entirely. This “chilly” nap is exactly what the plant needs to trigger those beautiful blooms in the spring!
