Aloe vera originally hails from tropical and subtropical regions, but it’s become a total favorite as a houseplant because it’s so incredibly low-maintenance. Since it’s a succulent, the Aloe stores water in those thick, fleshy leaves, meaning it doesn’t need a whole lot of attention from your watering can. That said, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to keep your plant happy.
How much water does an Aloe Vera actually need?
Besides a warm spot and plenty of sunshine, your Aloe does need a drink now and then. The trick is to keep the amounts small—Aloe plants absolutely hate sitting in standing water or having “wet feet” (soggy roots). To prevent root rot from the get-go, I always recommend setting up some drainage when you pot your plant. Just toss some expanded clay pebbles or coarse gravel at the bottom of the pot, cover it with a piece of landscape fleece (this keeps the soil from washing away), and then add your potting mix and the plant.
You should water regularly, but only once the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. During the summer, this usually happens about once or twice a week, especially if your Aloe is spending its summer vacation outside on a balcony or patio. One pro tip: try not to get the leaves wet. If water pools in the leaf axils (the little nooks where the leaves meet the stem), it can lead to rot. Always pour the water directly onto the soil or into the saucer. In the winter, the Aloe goes into a dormant phase, and you can actually stop watering it altogether.
Watering Rules at a Glance
Keeping your Aloe Vera healthy really comes down to mastering the watering routine. Follow these simple rules, and your plant will thrive:
- Avoid standing water: This is the number one rule to prevent root rot.
- Keep it damp, not soaked: The soil should feel moist, but never swampy.
- Keep the leaves dry: Avoid pouring water into the center of the plant to prevent rot.
- Water the base: Pour water directly onto the substrate or into the drainage saucer.
- Watch the minerals: Aloe prefers soft water. If your tap water is hard, try using rainwater or boiled (and cooled) tap water.
- Seasonal shifts: Water once or twice a week in the summer; take a total break in the winter.
- Baby plants: Young Aloes need a little more frequent watering since they haven’t built up large water reserves in their leaves yet.
