Care guides

Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis miller

Very Easy Toxic to cats and dogs Beginner-friendly 🌿 NASA Clean Air Study
Aloe vera with thick fleshy green leaves with serrated edges in a terracotta pot

At a glance

Light
Direct sun
10000–30000 lux
Water
Every 14–21 days
Soil completely dry between waterings
Humidity
30–50%
Tolerates dry air
Temperature
13–27°C
Ideal 18–24°C
Soil pH
6–8.5
fast-draining
Mature size
60 cm tall
60 cm wide
Native to
Arabian Peninsula, North Africa
Growth
Slow
Rosette

Watering calculator

Estimate how often to water your Aloe Vera based on pot size, light, and season.

Water every 18 days

Always check the top 2 cm of soil before watering. Calculator output is an estimate, not a schedule.

Diagnose a problem

Click an issue to see causes and fixes for Aloe Vera.

Or use Plant Doctor — AI-powered diagnostic that picks the top 3 most likely causes with family-specific reasoning and step-by-step fixes (photo upload coming soon).

Compare with similar plants

Trait Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis miller Snake Plant Dracaena trifasciata Haworthia Haworthia cooperi
Light Direct sunAdaptableBright indirect
Water 14–21 days14–21 days14–21 days
Pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs Toxic to cats and dogs Pet-safe
Difficulty Very EasyVery EasyVery Easy
Mature size 60 cm90 cm10 cm

Light requirements in detail

Aloe Vera prefers direct sun (10000–30000 lux) . Needs at least 6 hours of bright light; acclimate slowly to direct sun to prevent leaf burn

A spot 1–2 meters from a bright east or south-facing window usually fits this range. Direct afternoon sun through unfiltered glass can scorch leaves; sheer curtains help diffuse it.

Watering in detail

Water Aloe Vera every 14– 21 days during the growing season, allowing Soil completely dry between waterings to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.

This plant tolerates the occasional missed watering — err on the dry side rather than overwater.

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Frequently asked questions about Aloe Vera

How often should I water Aloe Vera?

Water Aloe Vera every 14–21 days during the growing season, allowing Soil completely dry between waterings to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency by 30–50% in winter.

What kind of light does Aloe Vera need?

Aloe Vera prefers direct sun (10000–30000 lux). Needs at least 6 hours of bright light; acclimate slowly to direct sun to prevent leaf burn

Is Aloe Vera toxic to cats?

Aloe Vera is toxic to cats (mild severity). Toxic compounds: saponins, anthraquinones. Common symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, depression, tremors.

Is Aloe Vera toxic to dogs?

Aloe Vera is toxic to dogs (mild severity). Toxic compounds: saponins, anthraquinones. Common symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, depression, loss of appetite.

How big does Aloe Vera grow?

Aloe Vera reaches about 60 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity. Growth rate is slow.