Aloe vera
Aloe vera
Also known as Medicinal aloe, True aloe
A rosette of thick, gel-filled leaves. It loves sun, needs little water and produces offsets you can pot up and share.
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to
- Arabian Peninsula
- Plant type
- Succulent perennial
- Care level
- Easy
- Pets
- Toxic to cats & dogs
How to care for aloe vera
Light
Bright light with some direct sun — a south- or west-facing window is ideal.
Water
Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry, about every 2–3 weeks.
Humidity
Low humidity is fine.
Temperature
13–27 °C (55–80 °F). Protect from frost.
Soil
Cactus mix in a terracotta pot with drainage.
Fertilizer
Diluted cactus fertilizer once or twice in summer.
Common problems
- Thin, curling leaves
- Underwatering.
- Soft, mushy leaves
- Overwatering or poor drainage.
- Pale, stretched growth
- Not enough light.
Propagation
Separate the offsets (pups) from the mother plant and pot them up.
Similar plants
Snake plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Toxic to petsEasy
Jade plant
Crassula ovata
Toxic to petsEasy
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Toxic to petsEasy
Written by the Plant Identifier Editorial Team · Last updated September 24, 2026 · Toxicity based on the ASPCA plant lists.