How Often Do You Water an Aloe Vera Plant?

Written by Jenny Harrington; Updated December 15, 2018
How Often Do You Water an Aloe Vera Plant?

How Often Do You Water an Aloe Vera Plant?


Low-maintenance Aloe (Aloe vera spp.) grows outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 and 12, although it thrives as a potted indoor or outdoor plant. These plants require little water and naturally grow in dry desert conditions.

Garden Aloe

Plants grown in outdoor garden beds rarely require water and usually receive enough moisture from rainfall, so they rarely require additional irrigation. If the soil dries completely and the normally fleshy leaves begin to shrink or shrivel, the plant can benefit from some water. This may occur during extended dry periods, but it isn't common because aloe stores excess water in its leaves for drought periods. Provide enough water to moisten the top few inches of soil.

Potted Aloe

Container-grown aloe does require some irrigation. Generally, the plant needs to be watered when the soil dries out completely but before shriveling or wilt of the plant occurs. Feeling the soil in the pot provides the best guide for watering times. If the soil feels moist, the plant doesn't need water. Water dry pots until the excess moisture begins to drip from the bottom of the pot, and empty any collected water from the drainage tray promptly. Allow the soil to dry out again before the next watering.

Soil and Moisture

The right type of soil affects the water needs for your aloe. These plants grow best in quick-draining, sandy soil and will suffer rot problems and eventual death in wet or clay soil. Choose sandy or rocky areas that dry out quickly for outdoor aloe. Indoor plants perform best in a cactus soil mix, or combine a potting soil with equal parts sharp sand to provide drainage. Use only pots with bottom drainage holes so excess moisture doesn't collect in the soil.

Watering Issues

Aloe may develop a soft or mushy base and roots or root rot if overwatering occurs. The plant may not recover from this condition. If possible, dig up the plant and allow the roots to dry and heal for two or three days. Trimming off rotted areas can help recovery. Replant the aloe into fresh, dry soil. Resume watering when the plant perks up and puts on new growth. If overwatering occurs only once and the plant doesn't develop rot, allow the soil to dry completely before the next irrigation.


The leaves on an aloe vera produce a latex sap that can cause minor skin irratation in some people. Wear long sleeves and gloves if you need to cut the leaves or if you need to move the plant.

About the Author

Jenny Harrington


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