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If you have come this far, it is because you probably have (or want to have) an aloe vera plant at home. You may be worried about whether you are taking good care of it or you want to know how to keep it in perfect condition to take advantage of all its properties. Whatever your case, this article will give you the keys to keep your aloe vera growing strong and healthy.
Benefits of having an aloe vera plant
Plants are often used as a decorative element. However, aloe vera is much more than an ornamental plant. It is a hardy species that can grow in a variety of environmental conditions, and offers many health and environmental benefits. Because of its ability to adapt to both indoors and outdoors, and its low maintenance, it is perfect for incorporating natural solutions into your daily life. Below, we look at how to care for aloe vera at home and explain its most important properties.
Medical properties of aloe vera
Aloe vera is known for the skin and health benefits of its gel. This gel, found in its leaves, contains vitamins A, C and E, as well as minerals such as zinc and magnesium. These nutrients promote cell regeneration and have a soothing effect, making it particularly useful for treating burns, minor wounds and irritations.
Another benefit is its ability to provide deep hydration. When applied directly to the skin, it helps to combat dryness and leaves a feeling of freshness and relief. This same soothing effect makes it an effective remedy for sensitive skin or skin exposed to external aggressions such as cold or pollution.
Aloe Vera Gel is also an excellent hair care product. Applied to the scalp, it helps to reduce dandruff, soothe irritation and strengthen the hair roots.
Decorative and air purifying
In addition to its medicinal uses, Aloe Vera also improves the home environment. Studies (such as those carried out by NASA) have shown that this plant is one of the most effective at filtering out chemical compounds present in detergents, paints or synthetic materials.
Another interesting feature is that it releases oxygen at night, which is not the case with all plants. This is why Aloe Vera is ideal for bedrooms, as it improves the quality of the air while we are resting.
How to take care of your aloe vera plant
Aloe vera is a hardy plant, but for it to grow healthy and strong it needs certain conditions that simulate its natural habitat. It is very important to pay attention to factors such as light, soil and watering to keep it in good condition, whether indoors or outdoors.
Sunlight and ideal location
Aloe vera loves light. It needs 6 to 8 hours of light a day to grow optimally. If you have it indoors, place it near a south or west facing window where it will get enough light, but avoid direct sunlight on the leaves during the hottest hours as this can burn the leaves.

Ideal location for aloe vera: plenty of light, but protected from direct sunlight during the hottest hours.
Outdoors, choose a spot with partial shade, especially if you live in a very hot climate. Aloe vera can tolerate high temperatures, but too much direct sun can stress the plant and cause the leaves to fade or dry out around the edges. If there is a risk of frost in winter, move it indoors or protect it with a blanket.
Soil type and drainage needed
Aloe vera needs a soil that drains well so that its roots do not rot. Sandy soils such as those commonly used for cacti are perfect because they allow water to flow easily. If you use regular soil, you can improve drainage by mixing it with coarse sand or perlite in equal proportions.
In pots, make sure they have drainage holes in the base. This will prevent water from collecting and damaging the roots. It is also useful to place a layer of small stones or gravel at the bottom of the pot before adding the substrate, to facilitate water drainage.
Adequate watering to avoid excessive humidity
Aloe Vera stores water in its leaves, allowing it to withstand long periods of drought. Watering should therefore be moderate. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering. In the warmer months this is usually every two weeks, while in the winter once a month may be enough.
When watering, make sure you water the soil and not the leaves, as water on the leaves or in the centre of the plant can cause fungus or rot. If you notice that the leaves are becoming soft or dark, reduce the frequency of watering and check the drainage of the substrate.
How to take care of a potted aloe vera plant
Aloe vera adapts well to small spaces and is easy to care for, making it a good plant to grow in a pot. However, here are some important details to keep the plant healthy.
Choosing the right pot
The material and size of the pot are essential for the health of your aloe vera. Choose earthenware or ceramic pots as these materials allow the roots to transpire better and prevent unnecessary moisture build-up. Make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom, otherwise excess water can rot the roots.
In terms of size, the pot should be proportionate to the plant. If the pot is too large, the soil will hold more water than necessary, increasing the risk of fungus. The right choice is usually a pot that is slightly wider than the outer leaves of the Aloe Vera plant.
Frequency of repotting and root care
It is likely that you will need to repot your aloe vera at some point. This usually happens every two to three years when the roots start to fill the entire pot or when the plant seems to be growing out of its space. When repotting, check the roots and remove any damaged or dried roots with clean, disinfected scissors.
This is also a good time to replace the potting substrate with a fresh one mixed with sand or perlite to ensure good drainage. If your plant has developed shoots or 'offspring', you can carefully separate them from the main aloe and plant them in individual pots.
Use caution when exposed to extreme weather conditions
Aloe Vera is hardy but not invincible. In very cold climates, especially where temperatures drop below 5°C, it is essential to keep the pot indoors or in a place protected from wind and frost. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, keep the plant out of direct sunlight during the day, as this can dehydrate it or burn its leaves.
If you decide to move the plant from indoors to outdoors when the weather gets better, do so gradually. This will allow the plant to adapt to the change in light and temperature without being damaged.
Common aloe vera problems and solutions
If you don't look after your aloe vera plant properly, you may experience some problems. Recognising the early signs that something is wrong is essential to keeping your aloe vera healthy. Below we look at the most common problems and how to deal with them.
How to identify and treat pests
Pests are not common on aloe vera, but they can occur, especially when the plant is weakened. The most common are mealybugs, aphids and spider mites.
- Mealy bugs: These appear as small white cotton-like spots on the leaves. To remove them, use a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the affected areas.
- Aphids: These insects are usually concentrated around the edges of the leaves. Apply a mixture of water and neutral soap spray to eliminate them naturally.
- Spider mites: They are difficult to see with the naked eye, but their presence can be detected by fine webs on the plant. Increasing the humidity in the environment and washing the leaves with water can help to control them.
Good ventilation and avoiding excess humidity are key preventive measures to keep pests away.
Problems due to overwatering and its consequences
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes in aloe vera care. If the roots are left in waterlogged soil for too long, they can rot and affect the whole plant.

Overwatering aloe vera can cause soft leaves and brown spots on the plant and affect its health.
- Symptoms of over-watering: Leaves become limp, brown spots appear and growth slows down. If you notice these signs, reduce the frequency of watering immediately.
- Solution: Remove the plant from the pot, check the roots and remove any roots that are black or soft. Replace the soil with a dry, well-drained substrate and make sure the pot has holes in the bottom.
Remember that it is better to underwater than overwater. Aloe vera can tolerate drought, but overwatering is its worst enemy.
Tips for healthy leaves
Aloe Vera leaves are a clear sign of the plant's health. Keeping them in good condition not only guarantees their health, but also ensures that they are ready for use when you need them.
- Avoid physical damage: Place the plant in a location where there is no risk of knocks or falls. Damaged leaves will not regenerate and can weaken the plant.
- Leaf hygiene: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue that may clog the pores. This will also help prevent pests.
- Avoid sunburn: Although the plant needs light, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause brown spots or discolouration on the leaves. If this happens, move the plant to a partially shaded area.
With a little attention to these details, aloe vera can be kept in perfect condition for years.
Having an aloe vera plant in your home adds a natural touch and allows you to enjoy its many benefits. With the right care, aloe vera can become a constant resource for your wellbeing and that of your home, whether as a health remedy or as an environmental purifier. If you want to enjoy all of its properties immediately, pure aloe vera from Finca Canarias is the ideal choice. This product makes the most of the qualities of aloe grown in its best environment, offering you a high quality natural solution for your daily life.
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