Aloe vera, commonly grown as a houseplant, is known for its leaves which contain a soothing gel used on sunburns and other skin irritations. With over 300 species (the most common being Aloe barbadensis miller), this tropical succulent features fleshy lance-shape leaves with jagged edges that grow out from a basal rosette.
Given the right growing conditions, spiky flowers will appear on the end of stalks in shades of yellow, red, or orange.
Consuming the leaves is toxic for people. The leaves are also toxic to dogs and cats.
Aloe vera is a popular succulent known for its healing properties. With fleshy green leaves full of gel, aloe plants can help treat burns, soothe skin conditions, and even aid in digestion. No wonder aloe is in demand! But where exactly can you get an aloe plant to grow at home?
Understanding Aloe Plants
Before discussing where to find aloe, let’s cover some aloe vera basics. There are over 400 species of aloe, but Aloe barbadensis is the most common. This succulent is native to tropical regions of Africa, but grows well indoors and outdoors in warm climates.
Aloe plants have green, dagger-shaped leaves that grow in rosettes meaning the leaves radiate out from the center. The juice and gel inside these leaves is used to make many skin and health products. Aloe also produces brightly colored flowers on tall stalks.
These drought-resistant plants thrive in bright, indirect light and sandy, well-draining soil. They need less water than typical houseplants. Aloe is easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginners and busy gardeners alike.
Buying Aloe Plants from Nurseries and Garden Centers
One of the easiest places to find aloe vera plants is your local nursery or garden center. Most carry a variety of succulents, including different aloe species and cultivars.
The benefit of shopping for aloe in-person is you can examine the plant and avoid ones with signs of disease, pests, or other damage. Check that the aloe has firm leaves and shows no wilting. Smaller aloe plants in 4-6 inch pots are often cheaper too.
Big box home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot have a nice selection of aloe vera plants. Prices range from $5-15 for a 4-6 inch pot. You may also find larger, more mature aloe plants for around $20-30.
Independent, local garden centers are another option. Staff here tend to be very knowledgeable about caring for aloe vera and other succulents. Though selection is smaller, the plants are usually healthy and reasonably priced.
Wherever you shop, look for plump aloe leaves with no brown spots or mushy sections. The soil should not be soggy either. Finding the right aloe plant is key, so check them over carefully before purchasing.
Ordering Aloe Plants Online
Can’t find the perfect aloe vera plant locally? Shopping online opens up many more choices. Several reputable websites sell aloe and ship right to your door.
Etsy has many aloe vera plants for sale from small succulent shops and nurseries. You’ll find common green aloe plus colorful variegated, striped, and spotted varieties. Prices range from $10-30 including shipping.
Amazon also sells live aloe vera plants. Look for sellers with plenty of good reviews and clear policies about shipping live plants. Aloe plants on Amazon tend to cost a bit less than Etsy, from $5-20 with Prime shipping.
Other online stores to consider are Mountain Crest Gardens, Leaf & Clay, and Succulent Studios. These specialized succulent sellers offer wide aloe selections and helpful plant care information.
Ordering aloe plants online has risks, mainly damage during shipping. But when bought from reputable succulent sellers, the plants usually arrive healthy and ready to thrive. Check plants immediately and contact the seller if any issues.
Getting Free Aloe Plants from Cuttings
Why pay for an aloe plant when you can get one for free from a cutting? Aloe propagates easily from just a leaf. Simply cut off an outer pup, let the end callous over, and stick it in well-draining soil.
Ask friends or family for aloe cuttings from their plants. Join local succulent groups on social media and ask if anyone has aloe pups to spare. You can often find people giving away free aloe cuttings.
Garden centers or nurseries that sell aloe plants will sometimes let you take cuttings from the stock. Just ask nicely if they mind you snipping a couple pups or leaves. This polite request can score you free aloe plants.
Rooting aloe vera from cuttings does take longer than buying a mature plant. But taking and rooting your own cuttings is very rewarding. In a few months you’ll have free aloe plants generated from leaves alone.
Growing Aloe from Seed
Another DIY option is growing aloe plants from seed. While not difficult, aloe seeds can be slow to germinate and have erratic results. Success involves patience.
Aloe seeds are fairly easy to acquire online or at some garden centers. Start seeds indoors in a warm spot (70-80°F is ideal) with bright light. Sow seeds thinly in cactus mix and keep the soil slightly moist.
Germination can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings once a few true leaves appear. Grow aloe seedlings on in small pots until they’re large enough to transplant. Move them outside once nighttime temps are warm.
Growing aloe from seed lets you gain experience from start to finish. Though not as instant as cuttings or mature plants from a store, it’s very gratifying to nurture them yourself.
Caring for Aloe Vera Plants
Once you’ve acquired an aloe plant, a few care tips will help it thrive. Here’s a quick aloe vera growing guide:
-Light: Bright, indirect light is best. A south window is ideal. Provide outdoor sun protection in summer.
-Soil: Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix. Add perlite for improved drainage.
-Water: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
-Temperature: Average room temps (65-80°F) are fine. Avoid cold below 50°F.
-Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
-Pruning: Remove dried lower leaves and pups for a tidy appearance and to encourage new growth.
Follow these simple care guidelines and your aloe vera will grow big and healthy, providing you with its useful gel. Proper aloe care is easy when you start with a vigorous plant from a reputable source.
Get Growing with Aloe!
Adding an aloe vera plant to your home or garden is simple when you know where to look. Stop by garden centers, nurseries, or big box stores to pick from varieties in stock. Order from online succulent shops for convenience and wider selection. Or get creative and grow your own aloe plants from cuttings, pups, or seeds. However you get your aloe, caring for these useful succulents is easy. With the many benefits of aloe gel, having one of these plants on hand is always a smart idea.
Temperature and Humidity
Aloe grows naturally in arid, tropical, and semi-tropical environments, so mimicking these conditions will allow it to thrive. Aim for a temperature between 55°F and 85°F and dont leave your container plant outdoors if nights are forecasted to dip below 40°F.
Aloe can handle dry air just fine and does not require extra humidity. Forty percent relative humidity is perfect.
Potting and Repotting Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has a shallow and wide root system that likes to spread out close to the surface. As the plant grows and needs repotting, its best to move up to a wider pot, rather than a deeper one. Repot your aloe when it becomes rootbound or if its pups seem to be overcrowded.
- Carefully remove the mother plant and pups from their container, taking care not to damage the leaves.
- Pull or cut the pups from the mother, allow them to dry, and then replant them on their own.
- Fill a wider pot with a cactus soil medium.
- Repot the mother so that all of the roots are covered and the soil line hits just below the main crown.
- Water all the plants thoroughly and allow the soil to dry completely before any subsequent waterings.
Aloe Vera Care Guide! // Garden Answer
FAQ
Where is the best place for an aloe vera plant?
He’s happiest in a bright spot, but not in direct sun. Water him sparingly – when the soil is completely dry. A sturdy concrete pot will stop him toppling over.
What is the difference between an aloe plant and an aloe vera plant?
Aloe is a succulent plant widely used in alternative medicine. There are at least 420 different plant species of Aloe. Aloe vera specifically refers to the Aloe barbadensis Miller plant, which is the most common form used in Aloe-based products.
What does aloe vera do to a woman’s body?
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Aloe vera benefits can include reducing dental plaque, accelerating wound healing, preventing wrinkles, and managing blood sugar. Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis, is a thick, short-stemmed plant that stores water in its leaves.
Where can I buy aloe vera plants?
Shop for Aloe Vera Plants in Indoor Plants. Buy products such as American Plant Exchange Aloe Vera Succulent, Medicinal Live Plant, 6-Inch Pot, Indoor or Outdoor Use at Walmart and save.
Where can I get free shipping on Aloe vera plant succulents?
Get free shipping on qualified Aloe Vera Plant Succulents products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Outdoors Department.
Where can I find Aloe seeds?
Aloe seeds can be found from numerous sources on the internet. For rare species, you may need to contact a botanical garden or someone with a large collection of rare plants. I have over 500 aloes in my yard and simply collect seeds as they occur.
Can you put aloe vera outside?
Since these plants do require a lot of lighta grow lamp or bulb may be useful. We put our aloe vera in the garage during the winter and use a lamp to keep them healthy and they don’t freeze. This is advertised as a house plant. Any idea on how this work outside the house as part of landscaping.
Is aloe vera a good houseplant?
In addition to its medicinal qualities the Aloe Vera plant is excellent as a houseplant. It is easy to care for and requires little attention. With its vibrant green thick fleshy leaves the Aloe Vera will become a conversation starter in any interiors cape. How to Grow and Care for Indoor Succulents. Click here to learn more.
Where does the Aloe flora originate?
The Aloe genus (Asphodelaceae) is a typical element of the succulent flora in the eastern Indian Ocean region, specifically in Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands of Mauritius and Réunion, and the Seychelles*. In this region, there are 129 native Aloe species, all of which are endemic.*