Aloe vera is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves are green with white spots and have a slimy texture. Native to Africa, it now grows in warm climates in different parts of the world.
For centuries, aloe vera has been used for its medicinal properties. The gel from the leaves can be used to soothe burns and cuts. It’s shown to have soothing and healing properties.
If you’re interested in growing your own aloe vera plant, whether for its medicinal properties or for its beauty, you’ll be delighted to know that these plants are relatively easy to care for.
Aloe Vera Growing Facts
Aloe vera is a slow-growing plant. In ideal conditions, it will grow about an inch a year. However, if the conditions are not ideal, it may only grow a few centimeters in a year. The good news is that aloe vera is a hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Upon maturity, these plants will have leaves that are about 10 inches long. It takes about three to five years for an aloe vera plant to reach maturity. When you come to think of it, it’s not that long to wait for a plant that will provide you with so many benefits.
How to Promote Faster Growth for Your Aloe Vera Plants
Although it may take years for aloe vera to reach its full potential, there are a few things you can do to help it along. In fact, it is one of the fastest-growing succulents, so with the right care, you can expect it to grow a few inches each year.
A Well-Drained Soil is Important
One of the most important things you can do for your aloe vera plant is to make sure it has well-drained soil. These plants do not like to sit in wet soil. If the conditions are too wet, the roots will rot.
Root rot is often the death of an aloe vera plant, and it’s irreversible. Once your plant has it, there’s no coming back.
To avoid root rot, make sure you plant your aloe vera in a pot with drainage holes. And, when you water it, make sure the water drains out completely. It’s also a good idea to let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
As a succulent, aloe vera stores water in its leaves. This means that it doesn’t need to be watered as often as other plants. In fact, if you water it too often, you run the risk of root rot.
Place in a Sunny Spot
This sun-loving plant needs plenty of bright, direct sunlight to grow. If you live in a sunny climate, you can plant it outdoors. Hardy in USDA zones nine through 11, it will tolerate some light frost.
If you live in a cooler climate or don’t have an outdoor space that gets full sun, you can grow your plant indoors near a sunny window. Just make sure the temperature doesn’t drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilize Regularly
Truth be told, aloe vera plants don’t need fertilizers to thrive. They are light feeders and will do just fine without them. However, if you want to hasten the growth of your plant, a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer can help.
Feed your plant once a month during the spring and summer months. Just be sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Additionally, make sure that you choose a fertilizer that’s made for succulents. Regular houseplant fertilizer can be too strong for aloe vera and may even damage the plant.
Tips on How to Care for Aloe Vera Plants
Now that you know how to make your aloe vera plant grow faster, it’s time to learn how to care for it. Proper care will not only ensure that your plant grows quickly but also that it remains healthy and disease-free.
Here are a few tips on how to care for your aloe vera plant:
- Water sparingly. You don’t need to water it a lot of times, but when you do, make sure you do it deeply.
- Prevent your aloe vera from becoming pot-bound. When your plant’s roots become too crowded in its pot, it will stop growing.
- Fertilize regularly during the spring and summer months. This is their active growing season and would benefit most from fertilization.
- Avoid overcrowding. When you plant aloe vera with other succulents, give each plant enough space. Additionally, there will be times when your aloe vera starts to produce pups. These are baby plants and should be repotted to prevent overcrowding.
How Fast Does Aloe Vera Grow: Final Thoughts
A fast-growing succulent, aloe vera grows 3-4 years to reach its full potential size. With a few fertilizer boosts, the right growing conditions, and proper care, you may see it grow even faster.
Do you have an aloe vera plant? Share your care tips in the comments below!
Related Article: Can Aloe Be Planted with Other Succulents?