Aloe, a Hardy Houseplant

If you are looking for a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for houseplant, succulents are a great choice, and aloes are one of the most popular. Like other succulents, aloes are able to store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, giving them the ability to tolerate dry conditions, and this characteristic makes them a rugged houseplant. Originating in Africa, aloes are members of the Asphodelaceae family, and some species have been cultivated for over 2,000 years. The name aloe is most likely derived from the Arabic word "alloh," meaning shining bitter substance, probably referring to bitter latex, a substance that comes from a layer of cells just beneath its outer skin. 

There are over 400 species of aloes, and while they may differ in size and color, most grow in loose rosettes with their leaves gently curving upwards. Their narrow, fleshy leaves are lance-shaped and taper at the end, with serrated margins lined with soft teeth. They vary in colors from green, robin-egg blue, fuchsia, and white and may be variegated, mottled, or striped. Borne on slender stalks, their tubular to bell-shaped flowers bloom in clusters and range in color from red and pink to orange and yellow.

Aloes prefer a coarse, well-draining potting mix. You can purchase a cactus/succulent mix from a store or make your own by mixing one part potting soil, one part sand, and one part perlite or lava rocks. They will grow best, maintain their color, and flower when grown in full to partial sun. When growing indoors, place them near sunny windows so they can receive full sun to bright indirect light. Periodically rotate the container to ensure all sides of the plant receive adequate light. Grow lights are a good option if you don't have adequate natural lighting. You may move them outdoors in the summer, but they are not frost tolerant, so you must take them indoors before the threat of frost.

Aloes are extremely drought tolerant and are susceptible to root rot, so never allow the plant to sit in water. Be sure to use pots with large drainage holes that allow extra water to filter out. As with all succulents, it is best to err on the side of underwatering. During the growing season, from early spring to early fall, water thoroughly when the soil's surface is dry. During the dormant period, from fall through winter, reduce watering so the soil is barely moist, and the leaves don't shrivel.

Replanting your aloe every two years can help refresh the soil and reduce crowding of the roots. When doing so, choose a container slightly larger than the previous one, allowing 1 to 1.5 inches between the root ball and the edge of the pot, and place it in the pot so its leaves are just above the soil level. Some species will produce pups or offsets. These may be removed from the mother plant and transplanted into another pot.

With so many different species, cultivars, and hybrids to choose from, the most difficult thing may be making a choice as to which one to grow. Within the aloe species, the plant we are probably most familiar with is aloe vera (Aloe vera). Aloe vera can grow over 2 feet in height. Its leaves are soft, easy to break, and contain a gel-like sap that some use for medicinal purposes such as treating superficial burns and sunburn. Their flowers will bloom only on mature plants and are red or yellow-orange.

If space is a consideration, there are many attractive smaller species, cultivars, and aloe hybrids. Below are a few examples.

• Lace aloe or torch plant (Aloe aristata) has green triangular-shaped leaves dotted with small white bumps and fringed with fine, white hairs. Its bloom color is pink.
• Coral aloe (Aloe striata) has blue-green leaves with dark green longitudinal stripes and coral-pink edges that will turn deeper pink in full sun. Its bloom color is red.
• Tiger tooth aloe (Aloe juvenna) has green leaves with greenish-white spots and prominent marginal teeth that look sharp but are soft to the touch. Its bloom color is red.
• Spider aloe (Aloe humilis) has pastel, blue-green leaves that curl upwards and are dotted with irregular bumps and soft spines. Its bloom color is orange-red.
• Aloe 'White Fox' has white leaves with dark purple to green splotches. Its bloom color is coral.