How to Plant Aloe Vera Plants Outside
Aloe Vera is a heat-loving succulent plant more closely related to the lily then the cacti. But like a cacti, aloe vera grows well in hot, dry areas. With a water content of 95 percent, the aloe plant will wither and die quickly in frosty conditions. In the United States, aloe vera will grow outside in USDA planting zones 9 to 11; all other areas are too cold to support this succulent. Aloe grows easily under the right conditions. Plant your aloe in a rock garden or other dry area and it will require minimal care to look its best.
Dig a hole that is slightly larger then the pot your aloe vera plant is in.
- Aloe Vera is a heat-loving succulent plant more closely related to the lily then the cacti.
- In the United States, aloe vera will grow outside in USDA planting zones 9 to 11; all other areas are too cold to support this succulent.
Turn the potted aloe on its side and grasp the base of the stem with your thumb and finger. Wear gloves to protect your hands from its sharp spines.
Wiggle the aloe plant gently back and forth until it comes free from the pot. You can cut around the edge of the pot with a knife if the plant is reluctant to let go.
Fill the planting hole with water and let it drain through. When all the water is gone fill the hole again and place the root ball of your aloe into the hole.
Fill in the soil around the root ball so that the base of the stem is level with the surrounding soil. Pat down the loose soil and water the area to a depth of 2 inches.
- Turn the potted aloe on its side and grasp the base of the stem with your thumb and finger.
Allow your aloe plant to dry out between waterings. Feel the soil, when it is dry to the touch water the area to a depth of 2 inches.
Tip
Plant your aloe in an area that gets full sun though out the day. Once your aloe is established it will only need to be watered in very dry weather. Aloe vera, like most tropicals, requires well-draining, sandy soil. If your soil is heavy, wet or clay-like, mix 4 to 5 shovels of coarse sand into the soil before planting. Aloe plants reproduce by sending out small shoots called "pups". These can be cut off from the base of the plant and transplanted to other areas of the garden or into pots to give away or keep in the house.
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Tips
- Plant your aloe in an area that gets full sun though out the day.
- Once your aloe is established it will only need to be watered in very dry weather.
- Aloe vera, like most tropicals, requires well-draining, sandy soil. If your soil is heavy, wet or clay-like, mix 4 to 5 shovels of coarse sand into the soil before planting.
- Aloe plants reproduce by sending out small shoots called "pups". These can be cut off from the base of the plant and transplanted to other areas of the garden or into pots to give away or keep in the house.
Writer Bio
Eulalia Palomo has been a professional writer since 2009. Prior to taking up writing full time she has worked as a landscape artist and organic gardener. Palomo holds a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies from Boston University. She travels widely and has spent over six years living abroad.
