This gorgeous succulent hails from tropical and subtropical regions, which means she’s a total sun-seeker and loves the heat. Thanks to those thick, fleshy leaves that store water, she’s incredibly drought-tolerant and won’t mind if you forget to water her once in a while. While we usually grow Aloe Vera as a houseplant here, she absolutely loves a “summer vacation” outdoors when the weather warms up.
Growing Aloe Vera Indoors
You can keep your Aloe indoors year-round as long as you find a very bright, warm spot for her. To really see her thrive, keep the air on the drier side and be careful not to overwater—standing water is a big no-no! For the best results, use a well-draining soil mix, like a blend of potting soil and sand.
During the chilly months, try to move your Aloe to a spot that stays between 50°F and 60°F. This little “cold snap” is actually a secret trick—it helps the plant prep so she can burst into bloom come springtime!
Taking Your Aloe Outdoors
Once June rolls around and the nights stay warm, it’s safe to move your succulent out to the garden or balcony. Pick a sunny spot that’s protected from harsh winds. If you notice the leaves turning a reddish-brown color, don’t panic! That’s just the plant’s natural “sunscreen.” If you prefer the classic green look, just move her out of the direct, intense midday sun.
While she’s outside, give her a good, deep soak every now and then, along with a little succulent fertilizer. The key is to let the water saturate the root ball and then drain away completely. To prevent “wet feet,” I always recommend adding a drainage layer of expanded clay or broken terracotta pieces at the bottom of the pot.
Winter Care for Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is definitely not a fan of the cold—in fact, she can’t handle frost at all. Even temperatures around 40°F can cause damage, so make sure to bring her back inside by September. You can put her back in her usual indoor spot for a few weeks, but for the heart of winter, she’ll be happiest in a cool room (around 50°F to 60°F).
This cool rest period is essential for those spring flowers. During this “dormancy,” cut back on watering significantly—only give her a tiny sip when the soil is bone-dry—and skip the fertilizer entirely. Just make sure her winter home still gets plenty of light. Great spots include:
- A cool bedroom
- A south-facing window in an unheated hallway
- A garage with a window
- An unheated sunroom or conservatory
One quick tip: avoid the bathroom! The high humidity there is usually a bit too much for an Aloe Vera to handle.
