Generally, you need to water Aloe Vera plants at least once every 2 to 3 weeks during the warm, dry months and less often during winter or rainy seasons, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
However, when growing aloe vera at home, I would not advise you to neglect watering your plants altogether, especially if you want to keep them looking green and healthy.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how often you should water your aloe vera plants and how to take care of your plants’ needs at different stages of their development.
How Often Should I Water Aloe Vera?
As mentioned before, you should water Aloe Vera plants once every two to three weeks. However, this depends on many factors, including the temperature, amount of light, size of the plant, and container.
Ideally, waiting at least one day after the soil dries out would be best, then water your plants thoroughly. Consider repotting your aloe vera plants if they need water more than once per week.
Aloe Vera leaves tend to grow larger and thicker when they experience brief periods of drought. It’s almost as if they are trying to increase storage for the next dry spell.
I’ve realized that you do not need to buy the best potting mix to grow aloe vera in pots. You just need well-drained soil that can retain some moisture. Add extra perlite or vermiculite if available. That’s about it.
How To Take Care Of Aloe Vera Plant
Many Aloe Vera plants can survive up to 3 months without water when grown in the ground. They are well-known for their drought resistance but hate having “wet feet.”
However, if left for too long without water, their leaves will lose their lush green color as they attempt to conserve water.
As a result, the best way to take care of aloe vera plants is to grow them in well-drained soil, watering them only when necessary and ensuring they receive enough light.
You should allow your plants to dry out periodically since this encourages them to retain more water in their leaves, stimulating the plant to grow thicker leaves over time.
Prune older outer leaves and ensure that the stem remains covered. This practice will keep the plant healthy and also encourage the growth of aloe vera pups.
You will need to carry your aloe plants indoors if you live in an area that experiences torrential rainfall or extreme temperature drops during winter,
Aloe vera plants are prone to root rot and, therefore, should be protected from excess water as much as possible.
Can Aloe Vera Get Too Much Sun?
Aloe vera plants can get sunburned if they were grown indoors and relocated without first acclimating to direct sunlight.
As a result, you will need to gradually increase your plant’s exposure to light before moving them outside.
Sunburnt aloe vera leaves are usually yellow or pinkish-red. This discoloration starts at the tips and gradually spreads across the entire leaf.
To prevent sunburn, ensure that your aloe plants are grown in suitable containers, receive enough moisture, and at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
If the discoloration persists, you must carry the plant to a partially shaded area and water it thoroughly. Consider repotting the aloe vera plant to a larger container.
How Often Should I Water Aloe Vera In The Summer?
You should water Aloe Vera plants at least once every two weeks in the summer if grown in larger containers or garden beds and once per week in small pots.
Indoor aloe plants require less water, depending on the temperature, light exposure, and size of plants and pots.
If your soil dries out within a day or two, consider repotting your aloe vera plant or adding mulch to prevent excess water loss.
I usually water aloe vera pups at least once per week while they are developing their leaves and roots system. Then I reduce the frequency as the plant matures.
Remember, Aloe Vera can burn in the sun if they are not acclimated to direct sunlight or if its soil is allowed to dry out completely for an extended period.
Please avoid using black nursery pots during summertime. These can heat the soil, damage the plant’s roots, or increase moisture evaporation in the growing media.
All these factors combined can influence how often you water your aloe plants in the summer. As a result, you will need to be vigilant and monitor the plant and the soil for signs they need water.
Related Questions
How Do I Know When To Water My Aloe Plant?
The easiest way to tell when your aloe plants need water is by testing the moisture in the soil. You can do this by sticking your finger into the ground or using a hygrometer, which measures moisture levels.
How Often Do You Water Aloe Vera Indoors?
When grown indoors, Aloe vera plants need to be watered at least once every three weeks during warm months and less often when in cooler temperatures or when grown in larger containers.
