Transform Your Space with CaliforniAloe Nursery

Aloe succulents thrive in warm regions, specifically zones 9 and 10, where the average annual minimum temperatures range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit while the average annual maximum temperatures range from 90 to 100. Overall, this means that aloe succulents grow best in warm climates. Southern Texas, central Florida, southern Louisiana, the western coast of California, southern Florida, southern California, and most of Hawaii are all the 9 and 10 zones in the US, and therefore the ideal locations to grow aloe outside. If you are living in a climate far from these kinds of conditions, I would advise growing your aloe succulent indoors, in a location with access to plenty of sunlight but not too much direct light during warmer seasons in the year.

Aloe succulents are best suited to grow in soil which has much drainage. Without proper drainage, water may stay in and around the roots of an aloe for too long, leading to a condition called root rot, which is characterized by slow growth and mushy, yellowish-colored leaves. Some pre-prepared cactus soil mixes can be bought at stores which are perfect to use for growing aloe succulents. Miracle-Grow Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix is an example of a commercial pre-prepared soil you can by online or in stores. You can also create your own aloe succulent soil by mixing sand, potting soil and perlite or pumice. According to Plant Desert, the ratio to use when combining these three ingredients is 2:2:1 (same order as listed ingredients in previous sentence).

All aloe succulents should receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Though this light can be either direct or indirect, aloe succulents prefer indirect sunlight much more since too much direct sunlight will often lead to a sunburned aloe. These sunburned aloes will have spots which are reddish-brown or gray in color color and will be crispy at the tips of their leaves. Therefore strive to keep your aloe succulent in bright, indirect sunlight as much as you can. Artificial light will also work, if you need to keep your aloe succulent indoors without any sunlight.

The rule of thumb when watering aloe succulents is to water them whenever the soil they are in is completely dry. If they are in pots, to determine whether their soil is completely dry, pick up or tilt the pot and touch the soil through one of the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. If the soil is completely dry, it’s time to water your aloe. If the soil is still wet or moist then don’t water your aloe and wait until the soil is completely dry. If your aloe succulents are in the ground, stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it is completely dry then it‘s time to water your aloe but if it is still wet or moist then hold off until it’s completely dry. When you finally water your aloe succulent, make sure to give it plenty of water. Do not underwater your aloe when it is time to water it. Overall, you will probably wait about a week before watering you aloe again. Do not just water your aloe succulent every week though. Always make sure to check if the soil is completely dry before watering.

If a leaf or more than one leaf on your aloe succulent is significantly discolored, has unhealthy-looking spots, shows signs of pests, is dead, or damaged it is good idea to prune those leaves to stop the spread of any pests or disease and/or to support way for new growth. It may also be a good idea to prune the older, outer leaves of your aloe succulent. Ridding your plant of these burdens will provide your succulent with more energy to spend on growth. Once you have decided to prune a leaf, make sure that you use a sharp, clean knife and off the leaf from the base at the stem.