Aloe vera has its natural habitat in areas where there are only short periods of rainfall. It therefore copes better with dryness than with too much wetness.
How should aloe vera be watered?
Aloe Vera should be watered sparingly about twice a week, avoiding waterlogging and pouring directly onto the substrate. However, young plants require a more regular supply of water and should be slowly accustomed to sunlight.
Aloe Vera probably comes from South Africa. It is now native to many tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Aloe grows best in moderately warm temperatures of around 22° Celsius and little humidity. The plant also needs a lot of light to thrive.
Avoid waterlogging
The thick leaves of aloe vera are able to store water and can therefore survive for long periods of time without water. Aloe vera does not tolerate waterlogging. For this reason, the substrate should consist of a soil-sand mixture (€9.00 on Amazon) so that excess water can always flow through and away. A drainage layer made of pottery shards and gravel on the bottom of the pot is helpful.
Do not water from above
The aloes that are left outside in summer should be watered sparingly about twice a week. After moving indoors, you should only water when the soil is really dry. In any case, pour directly onto the substrate and not onto the leaves.
Young plants need a little more water
Please note the following for young plants:
- they are not yet able to store enough water in their leaves,
- they rely on regular water intake,
- they should only get used to the sunlight slowly.
Tips & Tricks
Rainwater is - like all plants - ideal for watering. However, the frugal aloes don't mind if you use normal tap water for watering.
