Aloe vera originally hails from the tropical and subtropical corners of the globe. Think rocky soil, tons of sunshine, constant warmth, and very little humidity. This evergreen succulent is a total sun-worshipper, which is why it’s such a popular houseplant for us. If you want to move your Aloe outside, you’ve got to wait for summer when the weather mimics its natural habitat. Just remember: as soon as the temperatures start to dip, it’s time to bring your green friend back indoors.
Soak Up the Sun (But Take It Slow!)
While Aloe vera loves the heat, you can’t just toss it into the direct sun right away. It needs a few days in the partial shade to acclimate to the outdoors. If you skip this step, your plant might actually get a sunburn! You’ll know it’s had too much sun if the leaves turn a reddish-brown color. Don’t panic, though—it won’t kill the plant. Once the sun intensity drops, those leaves will fade back to their healthy green.
There are a few specific times when you should skip the “full sun” spot altogether. Keep your Aloe in the shade if it falls into these categories:
- Young plants
- Offsets or “pups”
- Cuttings
- Recently repotted plants
- Plants just coming out of winter dormancy
Young Plants
Baby Aloes are super sensitive to direct sunlight. To help them grow strong, they need plenty of bright light, but you’ve got to shield them from direct rays. Those tender little leaves can scorch easily.
Offsets, Pups, and Cuttings
Whether you’re propagating from pups or cuttings, keep your starter pots in a bright spot without direct exposure. Intense sun will fry that fresh plant material before it has a chance to establish itself.
After Repotting
Repotting is a big deal for a plant. You’re pulling it out of its home, shaking off old soil, and maybe even trimming back roots or leaves. It’s a stressful experience! Once your Aloe is settled into its new pot, it needs a “recovery phase.” Direct sun is just more added stress, so give it a break in the partial shade for a few days.
Coming Out of Winter Dormancy
During the chilly months, your Aloe should be hanging out in a bright but cool room. This rest period is essential for the plant to save up energy for blooming. Even if its winter spot was bright, it hasn’t seen direct, hot sun in months. You’ll need to reintroduce it slowly by placing it in a warm, semi-shaded area first.
