Plant
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Aloe vera.
Aloe vera
A CAM succulent from the Arabian Peninsula that stores water in gel-filled leaves. It needs far more light than most houseplants and rots quickly in wet mix.
LightBright light
WaterDry well between waterings
THE CARE NOTES
How to help it thrive.
01
Light & placement
Give it at least 4–6 hours of bright light a day, ideally on a south or west sill (north in the Southern Hemisphere). In low light it stretches and flattens; move it into sun over 1–2 weeks or it sunburns red-brown.
02
Water & drainage
Water only when the gritty mix is completely dry, then soak and drain; in winter that can stretch to every 3–6 weeks. It tolerates 5–10 °C (41–50 °F) if kept dry, but cold and wet together rot the base.
03
One thing to remember
Thin, flat, pale leaves mean too little light; plump, firm, grey-green leaves mean the light and watering are right.
Further reading: Horticultural source
