Plant profile
Aloe vera
Aloe vera
Also known as Aloe.
Aloe vera is a clumping succulent that needs very good drainage and plenty of light. Established plants need little routine care.
- Grows well in
- Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate, Arid / inland, Mediterranean
- Lifecycle
- Evergreen clumping succulent
- Light
- Full sun, Part shade
- Mature size
- Usually about 30–60 cm tall and wide, with older clumps gradually spreading through offsets.
- Spacing
- About 30–45 cm apart, or wider if you want individual plants to stay distinct.
- Growth habit
- Clumping succulent that forms rosettes of fleshy leaves and produces offsets around the parent plant.
- Native range
- Northern Oman, in the Hajar Mountains
- Natural habitat
- Desert and dry shrubland on rocky, arid ground.
When to plant
Tropical
April–September
Subtropical
March–October
Temperate
September–April
Arid inland
March–October
Mediterranean
March–October
Full growing guide
How to Grow Aloe Vera Plants in Australia
Aloe vera likes strong light, sharp drainage and a light hand with water. Learn how to grow it in pots or beds, divide pups and avoid soft, rotting growth.
Read the full growing guidePlanting
Plant into very well-drained soil or cactus and succulent mix. Keep the plant at the same depth it was growing in the pot. In heavy soil, use a raised bed or container.
Position and light
Full sun to part shade. In very hot dry climates, some afternoon shade can reduce leaf scorch.
Soil
Free-draining mineral soil is essential. Containers need a potting mix made for cacti and succulents and a clear drainage hole.
Watering
Water after planting, then allow the mix to dry well between waterings. Established plants need much less water than most garden plants.
Feeding
Aloe vera needs little feeding. Container plants can have a light feed during active growth if the potting mix is old or growth has slowed.
Pruning
Remove dead flower stalks and damaged outer leaves close to the base with clean tools.
Harvest
If harvesting leaves, take mature outer leaves and leave the centre growth intact.
Propagation
Separate rooted pups from around the base and replant them into free-draining mix.
Common problems
Root rot is the main problem in poorly drained soil. Scale and mealybug can occur, especially on protected or container-grown plants.
Safety notes
Aloe latex from the yellow layer under the skin can irritate the gut and is not the same as clear inner gel. Keep plant material away from pets that may chew it.
Worth knowing
Aloe vera steadily makes pups around the base. Leave them for a fuller clump or separate them once they have their own roots to make new plants.
Grow Aloe vera with Brancho
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How it grows around Australia
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