Light: Bright, indirect light encourages active growth in your aloe, but it can handle lower light levels of many types of interiors. Some species begin to turn red if provided ample sunlight.

Temperature: 60-90 F

Humidity: low

Water: Water when the top 2-4” of potting mix feels dry. You may only need to water 1-2 times each month (in winter even less). Aloe is quite susceptible to crown rot if kept too soggy.

Repotting: Repot as necessary every 1-4 years. You may not need to upgrade container size, just refresh potting mix and divide off pups (offshoots from plant base). Growth rate is determined by your plants water and light availability.

Rather than using a “cactus and succulent” potting mix that has no water retention, I encourage the use of fresh general purpose mix in combination with a sparing watering routine.

Fertilizing: Either…

1. Water Application: Incorporate fertilizer into your watering cycle once per year. Dilute an all purpose fertilizer (20-20-20) by half OR use your favorite fertilizer rated for houseplant use in your water.

2. Slow Release: Incorporate slow release fertilizer pellets into the top inch of potting soil every 6 months. Apply the rate indicated for indoor plants on the label. If no recommendation for houseplants is present, apply 1/4 to 1/2 the listed rate.

Aloe is closely related to zebra cactus (Haworthia) and ox tongue (Gasteria). In fact, many hybrids crossing species of the three genera already exist.

(Listed in order of commonality…)

• Root decay caused by overwatering

• Mealybugs

• Soft brown scale

Is aloe pet safe?

Yes