How Much & How Often to Water Aloe Vera: Facts & FAQ

Aloe vera is an amazing plant that’s easy to grow and has several health benefits. It’s a warm-weather succulent, which puts it somewhere between an ordinary plant and a cactus, and many people wonder how often to water it for optimal growth. If you are trying to grow this plant in your home or garden, you will need to water it about once every 2 to 3 weeks, but keep reading as we explain how you can tell when it’s time to water, how much water to give, and the best practices for improved results.

Soil for Your Aloe Vera

The correct soil is one of the most important aspects of growing healthy aloe vera. Loamy, sandy soil is best because it will help drain away excess moisture but won’t dry out too quickly for the roots to obtain the required nutrients. For the best potting, mix one part of nutritious soil with one part of coarse sand. Add one part of peat moss and one-half part of compost. Stir well and place in a large pot.

How Often Do I Water My Aloe Vera?

To ensure that your plant gets water when needed, it’s better to test the soil and check for moisture than to stick to a strict timeline. A top recommendation is to put your index finger into the soil up to the second knuckle and water only when you don’t detect any moisture at that depth. The soil will often take about 2 weeks to dry out completely, depending on your potting soil mixture, but it can take as long as 3 weeks, so be patient and keep testing.

How Much Do I Water Aloe Vera?

You will want to water your aloe vera plant until you soak the soil completely. If you are growing the plant indoors, water until it comes out of each drain hole, and empty any water that collects in the saucer. If you are growing your aloe vera outdoors, plant it in an area that will enable the excess water to drain away and completely soak the plant when it’s time.

How Do I Water My Aloe Vera?

The most important thing to remember when watering your aloe vera is to avoid getting the leaves wet. Moisture on the leaves can lead to mold and mildew growth, leading to rot. Excess moisture can also invite harmful insects if the plant is outdoors, including slugs and snails.

How Do I Know When My Aloe Vera Needs Water?

The best method for checking soil moisture is to use the finger test. Signs that your plant is not getting enough water include yellowing leaves and a shriveled or puckered appearance. The leaves can also start to turn brown if the drought continues. Adding water to the soil can help it bounce back from a yellow shriveled appearance, but any brown leaves are lost.

How Do I Know When My Aloe Vera Is Getting Too Much Water?

One of the first signs that your ale vera is getting too much water is mold growing on the soil under the plant. The leaves often become soft and soggy with too much water, and you might even see water blisters. Reducing watering can help the plant bounce back if the roots are still in good shape and the leaves haven’t yet started to turn brown.

Summary

Aloe vera plants are extremely easy to grow and are perfect for beginner or advanced gardeners looking for plants to grow indoors or outside. It’s hardy and extremely drought resistant, only requiring water every 2 to 3 weeks. Inserting your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle will help you determine when it’s time to water the plant, and a good loamy, sandy soil will help it drain properly so the roots remain healthy. You will need to adjust your watering schedule if you notice mold on the soil or yellowing leaves, to help keep the aloe vera healthy.

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