How to Take Care of Aloe

Overview

An Aloe plant can be useful to have around the house. It has numerous medicinal benefits: Aloe vera gel helps relieve burns and cuts, and the plant juice can serve as a antibacterial and anti-fungal. Aloe plants are also easy to grow, and they require very little attention once they are planted.

Step 1

Plant the aloe plant in a pot that receives good drainage. Place 1 to 2 inches of gravel at the bottom of the pot before planting the aloe to encourage drainage.

Step 2

Place the plant in a sunny location. Aloe thrives in both direct or indirect sunlight.

Step 3

Water your plant every two weeks with about 1 cup of water. Aloe is a succulent plant capable of storing its own water, and too much water will damage your plant. The soil should become dry between each watering.

Step 4

Inspect your plant at least once a week. Look for dull leaf color or softness, which is a sign of over-watering. If this happens, reduce the frequency of watering.

Step 5

Fertilize your aloe with 10-40-10 fertilizer, which has a higher phosphorous content. When fertilizing in the early spring, dilute the fertilizer to half its recommended strength.