The Environment Needed for Aloe Vera Plants to Survive

Temperature

• Native to Africa, aloe vera needs warmth to survive and can't tolerate frost. It grows outdoors year-round only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, where nighttime temperatures never drop below 40 degrees. During the summer, it can tolerate nightime temperatures of 50 degrees. If you live outside of USDA zones 10 through 12, plant aloe vera in pots. Move the pots outdoors in the summer, and bring them in before the first frost.

Sunlight and Moisture

• Aloe vera grows and blooms best in full sun, although it tolerates partial shade. Houseplants should be placed in a bright, sunny window with a southern or western exposure. Aloe vera thrives in desert environments and tolerates drought. You're more likely to kill it by overwatering it than by underwatering. Water no more than once per week, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. If you live in an area with rainy summers, keep aloe vera on a covered porch, or move it to protect it from the rain.

Soil

• Aloe vera grows best in sandy, well-draining soil with a light texture. Outdoors, amend soil with gravel grit, peat moss or coarse sand to lighten it. For houseplants, use a lightweight potting mix that contains perlite, sand or gravel. You can also use a commercially prepared potting mix for cacti. Aloe veras tolerate poor soils, but they'll grow faster with moderate fertility. Fertilize aloe vera plants in the spring with 1 tablespoon 10-40-10 fertilizer.

Diseases and Pests

• When aloe vera plants have the proper growing conditions, they're less likely to experience insect and disease pests. Root rot, the most common disease of aloe vera, can be prevented by providing well-draining, sandy soil and keeping it on the dry side. Mealybugs and scale sometimes infest aloe vera, especially those grown as houseplants. Mealybugs are tiny insects with a cottony appearance. Scale insects form in colonies that appear as growths on the leaves. Both suck the sap from aloe vera leaves, causing yellowing, wilting and eventually death. Treat these pests by spraying all surfaces of the leaves with horticultural oil. Spray the leaves on an overcast day.