Nurture Your Green Thumb with Aloe

Tim Newcomb, Anoka County Extension Master Gardener

Winter can be a struggle for Minnesota gardeners as we long to get our shovels back in the dirt. A great way to stay in touch with your green thumb when the skies are gray and the ground is frozen is to take care of houseplants. One of my favorite indoor plants, and an easy plant for beginners to grow, is aloe.

There are more than 400 species of aloe to choose from with the most popular being aloe vera. A large and beautiful plant with big thick leaves, aloe vera has a temperament that’s amenable to forgetfulness. It also propagates quickly and easily, making it a perfect choice to spread throughout your house or to share with friends. 

Originating from southern Africa, aloe vera has long been used for its medicinal properties. The clear gel, which comes from scraping the insides of the leaves, is used to treat burns and minor skin abrasions. It’s important to note that whole aloe leaves also contain aloin, a latex-like substance, which is mildly toxic to people and animals due to the presence of anthraquinone glycoside. Aloin can cause minor skin irritation if touched or abdominal cramping and diarrhea if ingested. 

Aloe plants evolved in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, which are hot, dry regions with long stretches of drought conditions. This is why it’s a great plant for beginning gardeners – it can thrive with neglect. However, aloe does have a few basic requirements for successful growing.

Aloe Care Tips

·        Use a well-draining succulent mix when planting or repotting. This allows the roots to dry out quickly and completely between waterings.

·        Choose a pot that is only an inch or two larger than the plant. If there is too much soil in the pot, moisture can cling to the excess soil and potentially cause root rot.

·        Avoid overwatering, which is detrimental to aloe. Every few weeks or so, check the plant’s moisture by sticking your finger a few inches into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. If the soil is still moist, wait to water. This is true even if the leaves are brown. If brown leaves occur and the soil is wet, make sure the plant has the proper type and amount of dirt and the proper amount of light.

·        Place your aloe in bright but indirect light, such as in the middle of a well-lit room or in a shaded window. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves.

·        Repot new aloe shoots when they reach a height of four to six inches. In addition to having more plants, you’ll ensure that your mother plant isn’t overcrowded, which can reduce airflow and encourage disease.

Aloe plants are visually interesting, low maintenance and easy to acquire from fellow gardeners, greenhouses or home improvement stores. Even if you’ve struggled with houseplants in the past, give aloe a try – it will help chase away the winter blues, and you might find your black thumb turning green before spring arrives.