Overview
Aloe vera is a tufted cactus succulent in the genus Aloe, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Aloe vera grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1C. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and mediterranean climate plants. It is native to SW Arabian Peninsula.
About
Aloe vera is a hardy perennial that typically reaches a height of 0.6 meters. It develops rosettes of thick, slender leaves that are a muted green and feature spiny edges. During blooming, it produces elongated clusters of tubular flowers, which are pale greenish-yellow and measure about 3 centimeters long, with racemes extending up to 90 centimeters in length.
About the genus
Aloe consists of evergreen perennials that can grow as mat-forming or shrubby plants. They feature rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves and produce small tubular flowers arranged in racemes or panicles.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aloe
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
Aloe vera size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- SW Arabian Peninsula
- Toxicity
- Human/Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aloe vera
- Cultivation
- Grow indoors in a container of peat-free, cacti potting compost, or peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added horticultural grit. Water moderately when in growth, very sparingly when dormant in winter. Apply a general liquid fertiliser monthly from May to August. Can be placed outdoors in summer, see aloe cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed as soon as ripe, or propagate by separating offsets in spring or early summer. Root offsets in cactus potting compost
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Aloe vera?
Grow indoors in a container of peat-free, cacti potting compost, or peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added horticultural grit. Water moderately when in growth, very sparingly when dormant in winter. Apply a general liquid fertiliser monthly from May to August. Can be placed outdoors in summer, see aloe cultivation for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Aloe vera?
Aloe vera prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aloe vera need?
Aloe vera grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Aloe vera?
No pruning required.
How big does Aloe vera grow?
Aloe vera reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Aloe vera hardy in the UK?
Aloe vera has a UK hardiness rating of H1C.
How do I propagate Aloe vera?
Propagate by seed as soon as ripe, or propagate by separating offsets in spring or early summer. Root offsets in cactus potting compost.
Is Aloe vera toxic?
Human/Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.