Growing an Aloe vera in a pot and caring for it properly

Which aloe vera for pot cultivation?

Aloes are a vast genus of succulent plants, among which is Aloe vera, the most well-known species for its medicinal uses. All belong to the Asphodelaceae family and form rosettes of evergreen leaves, often very graphic and decorative. For pot planting, it is advisable to choose the smaller varieties. Some species, such as Aloe arborescens or Aloe striatula, develop a bushy or shrubby habit and can reach considerable sizes, so avoid them unless you have a large conservatory or greenhouse. For pot cultivation of aloe vera, we particularly recommend the following varieties:

Aloe vera

This Aloe is prized for its medicinal properties. The pulp contained in the leaves is used to hydrate the skin, combat irritations, burns, sunburn, strengthen the immune system, etc. Aloe vera is also very decorative with its long light green leaves.

• Flowering time August, September
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the full description

Aloe Safari Sunrise

Aloe ‘Safari Sunrise’ forms rosettes of dark green, fairly thin leaves with small teeth. At the end of winter or the beginning of spring, it produces stunning floral spikes for two months, consisting of small tubular flowers, first cream, then orange.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 30 cm

See the full description

Aloe aristata

Very original, Aloe aristata forms small, dense, rounded rosettes made up of numerous dark green leaves punctuated with white spots.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 30 cm

See the full description

Aloe x rauhii Cleopatra

This variety is distinguished by its triangular, thick, dark green leaves marked with countless white spots. Its leaves can also take on an orange tint along the edge of the lamina. A surprising variety!

• Flowering time February, March
• Height at maturity 20 cm

See the full description

Aloe polyphylla

Aloe polyphylla has the unique feature of forming rosettes made up of spirally imbricate leaves! It creates a surprising pattern with perfect geometry! Additionally, it has the advantage of being relatively hardy, able to withstand temperatures between -8 and -10 °C.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 30 cm

See the full description

What pot for aloe vera?

We advise you to choose a terracotta pot. This type of pot has the advantage of facilitating drainage and aeration of the root ball, as it is permeable to water and air, and better regulates temperature than plastic pots. Make sure that the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to allow water to escape; otherwise, the roots may rot. Choose a pot that is wide enough, but not necessarily very deep. The pot should measure at least 20 cm in diameter, or more depending on the size and age of your Aloe. As it grows, you will repot it into a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one each time.

Different types of pots are suitable for growing Aloes, but choose one that is large enough, preferably terracotta. On the left, Aloe vera, and on the right, Aloe aristata (photos: brykmantra / Ultima.ramza)

What soil for aloe vera?

The ideal compost for aloe vera must be perfectly draining, with a sandy or gravelly texture. This allows for better water runoff and aeration, preventing the roots from rotting. Aloes naturally grow in arid soils, which are often poor and lacking in mineral elements. For example, choose cactus compost, or create a mixture composed of 1/3 compost, 1/3 garden soil, and 1/3 coarse sand. You can also add a bit of pumice to the mix.

How to pot Aloe vera?

We recommend planting Aloe in a pot in spring.

1. Take the pot and place a shard of pot over the drainage hole to prevent the substrate from escaping, then add a small layer of gravel, pumice, or clay balls to facilitate drainage.
2. Fill the pot with a draining substrate, for example, a mix of potting soil, garden soil, and sand.
3. Place the Aloe plant in the centre of the pot.
4. Fill the pot by adding substrate around the Aloe. Be careful not to bury the collar or the lowest leaves.
5. Lightly compact the substrate.
6. Water.
7. You can add a small layer of gravel or clay balls on the surface.
8. All that’s left is to place the pot in a bright location (avoid direct sunlight for Aloe vera).

Feel free to add a small layer of clay balls or gravel on the surface of the potting soil. Aloe vera, and Aloe aristata (photo Stephen Boisvert)

Where to place Aloe?

Don’t hesitate to take your potted Aloe vera outside on the terrace or balcony during summer, but avoid direct sunlight for the Aloe vera (its leaves may turn brown!). For other species, gradually acclimatise them to the sun. For example, place them in partial shade for a week or two before moving them into full sun.

As soon as temperatures cool in autumn, bring the Aloe indoors to protect it from the cold.

Indoors, Aloes prefer a temperature of around 20 °C and need slightly cooler temperatures in winter (10 to 15 °C). It’s best to avoid letting the temperature drop below 5 °C.

Aloes are unlikely to flower when grown indoors. Taking them out onto the terrace in summer will encourage their flowering.

In summer, you can take the Aloe outside, for example on your terrace. Here, two Aloe vera plants (photos: Mokkie / Tahir mq)

Caring for an Aloe Vera

• Watering and Fertilising

Aloes store water in their fleshy leaves, making them drought-resistant. They do not require much watering. We recommend watering once a week or every 15 days in spring and summer, then reducing watering in autumn and winter (about once a month). Always wait until the substrate is completely dry before watering, as Aloes are sensitive to stagnant moisture, which can cause their roots to rot. Similarly, do not let water accumulate in the saucer! Empty it after each watering.

You can apply a little fertiliser in spring and summer, but no more than once a month. This will help it grow and flower, but do not overdo it; Aloe does not need much fertiliser and naturally grows in rather poor soils. Choose a special cactus fertiliser, low in nitrogen.

• Diseases and Pests

Aloes are sometimes attacked by mealybugs. You will notice them by the presence of small cottony white clusters. These tiny insects feed on the sap and weaken the plant. You can eliminate them with a cloth soaked in 90° alcohol, or spray the foliage with a solution made from one litre of water in which you dilute 1 teaspoon of black soap, 1 teaspoon of methylated spirits, and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil.

Aloes can also be affected by aphids. We recommend eliminating them by applying a solution based on black soap (15 to 30 g of black soap per litre of water). Avoid using chemical products, especially if you wish to use the leaves of Aloe vera!

• Repotting

Repot the Aloe in spring, ideally every two to three years. This allows you to refresh the soil for aloe vera and give it a bit more space to grow. Each time, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one, and plant in well-draining substrate.

Finally, if you notice that your Aloe has produced offsets around the original plant, you can take the opportunity during repotting to divide them.

Aloe aristata (photo stephen boisvert) and Aloe brevifolia