Aloe vera is both popular and easy to grow, provided you understand the level of water and sun that mimics the hot climate this plant thrives in. If the cold snap is longer, you’ll need to spread a thick mulch or straw around the root base to also protect the root zone. Unusually for a succulent, the aloe plant cannot be grown from a leaf cutting, and instead is typically propagated by detaching younger clone plants from the base of the adult plant … Place the aloe in a sunny spot. Aloe polyphylla is a variety that is grown in the mountains of Lesotho and there are others which thrive in coastal or grassland locations. Keep in mind that cultural controls, such as planting your succulents in loose, well-draining soil, can prevent these diseases in the first place. Growing aloe outdoors in beds where the cold is consistent and long in duration is not recommended. This succulent isn’t prone to pests and disease, but the few problems it does encounter range from mildly annoying to downright deadly. An established aloe vera plant will often put off “pups” – baby plants growing from under and around it. In areas that have milder climates, you can grow wide variety of aloe plants in the garden. Planting and Care. Besides being an excellent option for xeriscaping in drought-prone and desert climates, there’s an added bonus: Flowers. Then gradually move them to an area allowing a little sunshine and slowly increase their time outdoors, even leaving them out all day. We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. A sunny kitchen window or another sunny place in your house is perfect for an aloe plant. For outdoor planting, first choose an area of your yard or garden that receives between four and six hours of full sun. This post will teach you when to put plants outside in the spring and how to harden off your plants. To transplant, dig a hole the same size as the container your aloe is currently growing in, gently remove it from the pot, and set it into the hole. The growing conditions for aloes vary in their native habitat. Actually called the “mesophyll” layer of the leaf, the gel supplies moisture to the aloe between waterings. As a rule, you cannot grow the Aloe vera plant outside of its recommended zones except in a container in summer, then moving the plant indoors to a sunny location for the winter. In the summer the plant can be outdoors, just make sure the temperature stays above 50°F and also the pot is not in brutal sunshine all day. Knowing what aloe’s most pernicious diseases look like can help you prepare to spot them early, clear the area of a deadly infection, and plant your succulents elsewhere. By autumn, she has produced many “pups,” crowding inside the small pot, eager to escape. That’s right. You can also start a window box or outdoor container garden with the pups. Aphids aren’t terribly problematic. You can find potted plants at almost any time of the year in your local nursery or gardening store. Sign up for our newsletter. This succulent practically takes care of itself once it’s established. It’s easy to find containers that do, but it’s harder to find window boxes with them. In other regions, either keep the plant in a container to move if necessary, or apply protection. If you’re going to grow aloe in a container, choose a heavy one that won’t topple over with the weight of the long succulent leaves. They do need regular watering but are very tolerant of drought conditions for short periods. Are you growing aloe vera outdoors? And for more information about growing succulents, check out these guides next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. Caused by the bacteria Pectobacterium chrysanthemi, bacterial soft rot is a problem associated with wet conditions. But what if you want to plant it out in the garden? Make sure automatic irrigation isn’t hitting it and that it gets at least 6 hours of bright sunlight per day. For many gardeners who do not enjoy the luxury of keeping their cacti plants outdoors throughout the year, spring is always the best time to start moving your indoor plants outdoors. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Aloe vera grown indoors can be moved outside during the summer; plants can be grown outside year-round in zones 8-11. The aloe vera plant can grow up to three feet in height, but average height is one to two feet tall. There are, however, a few restrictions and summer orchid care advice that should be considered. If you want to increase alkalinity, you can add lime to the soil according to package instructions. If you notice reddish-black sections on the stem, this is a sign that the disease has taken hold, and the plant is a goner. As a freelance writer, she contributes to several websites and blogs across the web. Happy Christmas season! I usually move mine into the greenhouse in winter. Aloe vera grown indoors doesn’t receive enough sunlight to produce flowers. When the plant is newly transplanted, let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Aloe plants are native to Africa and grow in many climates. How to Identify and Treat Hellebore Diseases, How to Save Bachelor’s Button Seeds for Planting, How to Grow Cauliflower, a Challenging Cool-Weather Crop, Grow Your Own Birdhouses with These Decorative Gourds, Give your plant between four and six hours of full sun, depending on your area’s elevation, Water once or twice a month, or when the top two inches of soil dry out, Make sure the soil is loose and well-draining to help prevent root rot. I have not had much luck with it in the ground unless it is mulched heavily and covered during cold spells. Basal stem rot, a fungal infection caused by several species of Fusarium, does exactly what its name suggests, rotting the stems of plants. Mediterranean plants with sturdy leafs such as olive, laurel and oleander can already be put outside in the beginning of April if no permanent frosts are expected any more. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly. Aloes grow in poor soil with good drainage. However, if your aloe is planted outside, it stands even less of a chance. Aloe is perhaps most well-known for its ability to provide sunburn relief; it is the plant that comes to your aid when you’ve stayed out in the sun a little too long and begin peeling from overexposure to the sun! The amount of sunlight depends on your climate: for those who live near the coast or at sea level, it’s fine to give the aloe six hours. I too live in Zone 8 and have a lot of Aloe Vera. The African native aloe (Aloe vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis) plant is a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. Look for a sandy, gravelly, or even rocky area. If they look healthy, plant them in a site with better drainage, or pot them up and place them in a drier location. To plant it in window boxes for a pretty accent that’ll make your home stand out, try these self-watering ones from the Home Depot. One primary reason why aloe vera plants die is root rot. Try growing aloe outdoors in a container that will also allow you to bring them indoors if a freeze threatens. Aloe is not only a lovely succulent plant but also an excellent natural medicinal to have around the home. I’ve stumbled across potted aloe vera in stores in January, even in frozen Alaska! As you do so however, there are a few things to keep in mind. The unsightly tumors look like warts and you might see them on the leaves, stems, and even flowers. Freezing temperatures will kill … Yes, it’s fine to put your orchids outside in summer but…. But just because aloe can reduce the pain of getting a little crispy does not mean it is immune from getting too much sun itself. Aloes are sculptural plants that usually form compact, spiralling rosettes of leaves. It could be a number of things: too much water, too little water (less likely), or inadequate sunlight are some possibilities. Once your aloe is established it will only need to be watered in very dry weather. They are easily grown in containers and are great in conservatories or as houseplants and for placing outdoors during summer. You can also grow it in lieu of low shrubs to adorn your foundation plantings, or place it in window boxes for a pleasing effect. Your houseplant is finally ready to spend its summer outdoors. In areas that have milder climates, you can grow wide variety of aloe plants in the garden. Brush away as much dirt as you can from the root ball. I am in Sunny South Africa and snow...nope what's that?? However, you should still watch the thermometer and consider that potted plants are permeated by the … Caring for Acclimated Houseplants Outdoors Six to eight hours of direct sun is best, although most aloe vera plants will tolerate some light shade or filtered sun at midday. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Your Aloe Vera isn’t getting enough light. Spray them off with the garden hose and apply neem oil to the areas of infestation. Aloe vera do best in a temperature range of 55⁰F to 80⁰F. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. To divide it, carefully dig the succulent out of its hole with a hand trowel. Great! It is funny because many people have asked me in the past if houseplants can go outside. Gradually expose the plant to light when transitioning to outdoor life to prevent sunburn and let it acclimate to the new conditions. There are over 400 species of aloe, with Aloe vera one of the best known. Aloes are good as stand alone plants or produce lovely displays when combined with other succulents in a container. Ease them into the sunlight and heat Since there is much more sunlight outdoors it's very easy to burn your succulents with … Take the Plant Out of its Current Pot. Be sure the plant is not potbound. If you’re having a tough time finding a location that only receives four to six hours of sunlight, you could always have a shade cloth handy and put it over the plant during the middle of the day, when the sun is at its most intense. Can you grow aloe outside of these zones? However Aloe doesn't need as much sun as you would suspect and the first year mine turned pale from too much sun in the greenhouse. But grow it outdoors and you’ll enjoy the yellow blossoms that burst from a spike that rises from the center of the plant in the summer months, and periodically throughout the year. Once it begins to grow new leaves and thrive in its planting spot, you can slow watering down to about once every two to three weeks in the summer and once every four to six weeks in the winter, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Aloe vera grown indoors doesn’t receive enough sunlight to produce flowers. Many people recognize an aloe plant for its long, spiny leaves that shoot out from the center. In plein air, they will dry out frequently if their container is filled with thirsty roots. Once morning arrives, move the plant outdoors in the shade. See our TOS for more details. Note : Don’t move your aloe from indoors to full sun right away; it needs time to adjust to the intense light or it may sunburn. To … Wait until after your last frost to move it outdoors. She’s especially proud of the flowerbeds she and her three-year-old son built with rocks dug up from their little Alaska homestead. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Unfortunately, aloe gall mites are microscopic and spread by wind, so you need to act fast if you have several plants but you only notice infection in one or two of them. You can bring your aloe vera plant outdoors during the summer being careful to not place it in direct sunlight which can burn it. Yes, it is a desert type plant. Aloe also does fine in areas with indirect sunlight. This is the best time to take advantage of the growth spurt you can get from the relatively strong sunlight and heat. You can pot the pups in nursery containers with potting mix and give them away to your friends, or find places to plant them in your yard. That’s right. Plant your aloe in an area that gets full sun though out the day. But if you live in an arid, inland desert with an elevation of 1,000 feet above sea level or higher, you may want to provide just four hours: aloe doesn’t care for too much of the intense sunlight it’ll receive at higher elevations. It should be loose and well-draining but it doesn’t need to be high in nutrients. Add a cactus and succulent mix to the window box or container, like this one from Miracle-Gro, available via the Home Depot. This will let it get used to the intensity of the sunlight and the temperature in small doses. Put it in full sun, but if it rains a lot in your area, put it where it won't get too much rain and root rot The last thing you want to do is give your aloe a home in a boggy area in soil that won’t drain, as this can contribute to root rot. Although there are ways you can increase the chances of getting your indoor aloe to produce beautiful flowers (you can try them on your outdoor plant as best you can), you might have to kiss that dream goodbye! If you grow this succulent outdoors, you can reap the benefits of the soothing gel. Moving your orchids outdoors to take advantage of the natural light makes sense. This is a guide about moving a spider plant outside in summer. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. Aloe Vera thrives bet in indirect sunlight, as although they soak up the sun willingly, too much can cause browning. Place the parent back in the hole and backfill with soil. My neighbor puts his in full sun and allows it to get a tan so to speak. Laura Melchor grew up helping her mom in the garden in Montana, and as an adult she’s brought her cold-weather gardening skills with her to her home in Alaska. Although houseplants usually don’t complain loudly when their roots are cramped in winter, summer is a different story. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves, turning them a bronze color. If you’re located in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, you’re in luck – you can add this beautiful, beneficial succulent to your yard. After light requirements, consider the soil you’ll be planting in. It doesn’t hurt to harvest a leaf here and there to use on a sunburn, either. Some varieties have a cold tolerance below 32 F. (0 C.) with a bit of protection. The leaves may develop bulging spots, or turn dark and shrivel. For more history, background, and full cultivation instructions for growing aloe vera, check out our guide. For occasional freezes, cover the plant with a large plastic container if the cold period is just overnight. Aloe grows in USDA zones 8 to 11 outdoors. Keep yours inside till summer! These pests affect both commercially grown and homegrown aloe, particularly in southern California. Bring your plant indoors in the fall before your first frost. If you are planting more than one plant, make sure to space them 3 feet apart since your plants … so aloes here love it outside. Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm, and Citrus Potting Mix. This plant is famous for the gel inside the succulent leaves, which has soothed many a minor burn throughout history. The only thing you definately should not do is keep your plant … After a couple weeks, the houseplants should be well adapted to their outdoor setting to remain throughout summer. oops, I nearly said, Yes, of course you can put the aloe outside....and realised you seem to stay in a place where it snows! Growing Aloe Vera Indoors - The “How To” Guide for Beginners The fungus favors damp, cool conditions. But grow it outdoors and you’ll enjoy the yellow blossoms that burst from a spike that rises from the center of the plant in the summer months, and periodically throughout the year. The first thing to consider when choosing a container or window box is whether or not it has drainage holes. The short answer to this question is yes. Aloe plants can grow to a height of two feet. You can move the plant outdoors in the summer months as long as there is no chance of frost. Aloe Vera grows well in a very warm, partially shady location. Aloe in full shade will not thrive, so make sure there's a least a little sun in the room where you place the aloe. This isn’t strictly necessary, however, as it can adjust to slightly acidic soils if needed. But if it has any pups, you can separate them from the mother plant, and check them for signs of rot. This succulent prefers a soil pH of 7.0-8.5, so you may want to conduct a soil test to see if the numbers fall within that range. This article will cover how to grow the spiky succulent outdoors specifically, and why you might want to. Try Aloe arborescens and Aloe ferox. If you have your heart set on growing aloe in a window box that doesn’t have drainage holes, just drill three to four quarter-inch holes in the bottom of the box. COPYRIGHT © 2021 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Aloe vera, like most tropicals, requires well-draining, sandy soil. Aloe vera doesn’t require regular fertilization, but if you want to speed up the growth rate a little bit or encourage flowers, you can fertilize it every six months with a 1-1-1 NPK fertilizer. Water thoroughly, and you’re done! If you live in a warm climate year-round (Zone 10 or higher on the USDA Plant Hardiness Map), you can nurture your aloe outside. especially inland. Do this for a week or two before making the full move outdoors. There are two main pests that may affect aloe vera outdoors: aphids and gall mites. Keep houseplant care duties to a minimum, and check the root system before bringing a plant outside. Aloe vera thrives despite my neglect, I barely remember to water her. When the plant is between two and four years old, you might notice that it’s growing lots of offshoots, or “pups.”. The long, spiky leaves grow 24-39 inches long from a short stem. Give them two to three feet of space between each other and any other plants in the area. How to Plant Aloe Vera… The only thing aloe vera doesn’t like is freezing temperatures (32F and below), so… Outdoor – If you garden in zones 9-11 you can plant aloe vera outdoors. Those can be separated to establish more new plants too! Placing your aloe plant outdoors in appropriate zones doesn’t require any special care as long as the site is sunny and the soil is loose and gritty. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. While many people grow it … With additional writing and editing by Allison Sidhu and Clare Groom. How to Grow If nighttime temps threaten to drop below 60°F (16°C), bring the aloe inside. Laura also writes novels and holds an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. If your soil is heavy, wet or clay-like, mix 4 to 5 … Aloe vera is a member of the Asphodelaceae family, which includes asphodel and red-hot poker plants (Kniphofia spp). If the pups don’t come off with gentle disentangling, cut them off with a knife. Refrain from planting any additional aloes in that location for three years and keep a close eye on any neighbors to see if they develop the disease, too. These green leaves give the plant … This is a good indication that the parent plant is ready for some division. Here is more about what we do. Keep in mind that the plant won’t produce flowers until it’s mature – at around four years old. This is a fatal disease and the bacteria can survive indefinitely in soil and debris, so remove the dying plant and all its detritus. They suck the sap from the leaves but it takes a long time for them to cause real harm. Moving Indoor Cacti Plants to Outdoors. In addition to making an excellent addition to an outdoor window box, foundation planting, xeriscape, or container garden, this succulent is lovely for cooling minor burns or soothing itchy bug bites – a plus in warmer climates where the potential for sunburns and pest problems may exist year round. Indoors a location at a sunny window is great, you will not need additional grow lights. It can be easily grown in pots with good drainage. Here are the main threats to watch out for when you’re growing this plant outdoors. The plants store water in their leaves, which means they can go long periods without water. Keep Plants out of Direct Sun for a While . Although Aloe Vera grows better outdoors in the warmer months, they have no problem existing potted on a window sill. Every May, I put my aloe plant outside on the deck to enjoy the summer sun and warmth. As a rule, you cannot grow the Aloe vera plant outside of its recommended zones except in a container in summer, then moving the plant indoors to a sunny location for the winter. I keep my Aloe in bright indirect light outside during the summer. This will help keep the leaves from getting sunburned. You’ll see several pups growing off the main root system: each pup has its own stem, leaves, and root system that you can tease away from the parent plant. It mostly affects plants that are grown in waterlogged conditions, so make sure you choose an appropriate location and be sure not to overwater. Spray the as-yet-unaffected aloes with neem oil or insecticidal soap and check them for damage every day. Let me know in the comments section below and feel free to share a picture! Once you’ve brought a plant home from a nursery or propagated a pup from a friend’s aloe, it’s time to put the succulents in the ground. In the case of container-grown plants, discard the plant and the soil, and be sure to sterilize your pot before reusing it. A few species that are more tree-like or grow as climbers have been removed from Aloe (now called Aloidendron), so not included here. Aloe vera is not frost tolerant and cannot withstand chilling temperatures, but there are alpine varieties that have cold tolerance to nearly freezing. Product photos via Home Depot, Miracle-Gro, and Pure Beauty Farms. Both are quite hardy specimens that will do well outside even in moist temperate zones. The aloe vera can go out all summer as long as we dont get too heavy rain.atahey can die off from water logging between their thick leaves.Your spider plants can go out for a few hours,which will bring them on and help them grow in the sun,but not too long as the sun starts to bleach the leaves of this plant and can end up killing it of as the leaves are pretty delicate. Similar to the plant’s benefits, aloe vera can grow quite large. And thanks to this gel, aloe vera requires very little water to grow. No matter where you live, you can grow aloe vera indoors. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Aloe vera prefers dry, warm conditions, whereas wet, boggy conditions can cause problems. Or, grab this three-pack set of three-and-a-half-inch potted plants from Pure Beauty Farms, available online from the Home Depot. They require full sun for at least six hours per day, but best growth is found where they receive at least eight hours of bright light. When the weather warms and there is no danger of frost, spider plants can do well outside with lots of water, and away from direct sunlight. Since aloe can be cultivated indoors year-round, you may be wondering what the advantage of growing it outdoors could be. You can in the summer in a container, but you should move it indoors for the cold season. Aloe vera needs bright, natural light to grow and thrive. Whether you are moving your vegetable or flower seedlings that you grew indoors, or you are just moving your houseplants, the process is the same. In the meantime, keep it “pruned” by removing broken leaves whenever you spot them. Remove the affected plant, seal it in a garbage bag, and throw it away. I highly recommend taking your indoor succulents outside for the summer, at least for a little while. Transplant the pups or potted plants directly into your containers or window boxes, burying them just enough so that the roots are covered. You can also grow aloe with other succulents and cacti as part of a defensive planting. It is commonly grown as a house plant but a lucky few zones can grow them year around outdoors. Aloes can be kept outdoors in full sun during the summer, when temperatures are above 70°F (21°C). Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! The two most harmful – as in, deadly – are bacterial soft rot and basal stem rot. If you’re a busy gardener who doesn’t have scads of extra time to tend to demanding plants that wilt in the heat, aloe vera is your friend. To save the plant, just keep it in a pot and move it outside when temperatures are warm. Thanks to this exceptional level of drought tolerance, aloe vera makes an excellent addition to a low-water garden or xeriscape. I particularly enjoy planting it window boxes outside my home for the summer – but here in Alaska, I have to bring them indoors during the cold months. 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Bacterial soft rot is typically a problem when hot weather is combined with wet soil.