Does Aloe Vera Prefer Sunlight?

Sunlight

• Aloe vera is a suitable landscape plant for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 11. In a full sunlight location with adequate irrigation, Aloe vera will generally turn a very light shade of green and produce thick, fleshy leaves. If they are not watered sufficiently, however, aloes grown in full sunlight may start to burn and turn reddish brown. This is more likely to occur in the southern end of the plant's range.

Partial Sunlight

• In partial sunlight, Aloe vera grows more slowly, though it will have leaves that are a darker, richer green. Commercial aloe plants are often kept in shadier conditions because many consumers assume that dark green plants are healthier than light green plants. Aloe may develop a sunburn from the shock of being moved from a shady nursery to a sunny patio, so gradually increase the amount of sunlight the plant receives if your Aloe vera is dark green.

Culture

• Aloe veras prefer a very well-draining sandy or rocky potting medium, tolerating salty coastal soils. In a container, the plant is less picky about soil as long as its roots are somewhat confined. Aloe vera should be watered occasionally to keep the leaves nice and plump, though overwatering will quickly lead to the plant's demise. Water only when the soil has completely dried out. Stick your finger in the soil up to 4 inches deep, checking different areas around the plant to see whether there's any moisture.

Considerations

• If your aloe is growing in a partially shaded location and its leaves are turning yellow, it may not be getting enough sunlight to produce chlorophyll. In the case of a sunburn, only a few patches are usually affected, while a lack of chlorophyll is evident on the entire plant. Transplant the aloe or move the container into a sunnier area. Plants in full sunlight or containers will dry out faster than plants in partial sun, and they will need to be watered more often.