Is Aloe Vera a Succulent?

Being the plant enthusiast you are, the aloe vera hasn’t escaped your attention, right? Of course not!

This is just one of those plants that are easy to come across – especially for someone like you with a little bit of interest in this front. Even if you weren’t remotely looking into plants, you sure might have bumped into it at the office or a friend’s place. It’s only natural for a plant that is not only beautiful but also with a range of benefits. Definitely an asset. What do you say?

Oh, and the beloved aloe can also be eaten. Surprise surprise!

All that gritty about the awesomeness of aloe vera plant is a few paces down. For now…

Is aloe vera plant a succulent? To better answer this question, a bit of a refresher (or a primer, it depends) on succulents.

A Recap of Succulents

Succulents are plants with fleshy leaves. These leaves are an adaptation for storing water over long periods of time. In other succulent species, it’s the stem with this adaptation and in most cases, the leaves are tiny and neede like.

And that means succulent plants can grow and survive long periods of drought relying only on the stored water for vital processes. Drier soil conditions are better for them. So natural habitats are the arid and semiarid areas. A hardy lot this is!

But deserts aren’t the only places they grow nowadays. They’re in homes and offices all around the world! Putting up their bravery in giving these spaces an extra beautiful finishing with their wide range of colors, shapes and sizes.

So, does the aloe vera plant measure up to this description?

Aloe Vera as a Succulent

Yes, it sure does. Aloe vera plant is so much a succulent!

From the leaves to its origin, and therefore the best conditions it can thrive in, it checks all the boxes of succulent plant tendencies. The plant leaves are thick and fleshy, a perfect possession for a plant native to the largely dry Arabian Peninsula. The same dry soil conditions are evident in its other native lands in the north and south Africa.

So for a houseplant, its care is very much identical to that of a regular succulent houseplant. Nothing demanding. In fact, too much attention, especially with the water, is a quick way to kill an aloe vera plant. You must be careful watering your plant and only water when it’s needed.

Remember, neglect for succulents is actually okay!

To be safe, here’s a quick peak at how to correctly nurture an aloe vera plant to ensure a beautiful and healthy growing life.

Moderate Watering

With the desert adaptations, too much water is the last thing an aloe vera plant will need. It already has quite an amount stashed in those leaves.

But a little addition of it at spread out periods is definitely welcome. So you’ll do well (the aloe vera plant too) if you allow the top of the soil mix to dry out between watering. That’s ideally 2-4 weeks depending on the conditions of your area.

The frequency further reduces when winter kicks in.

Well-Draining Soil Mix

This is all part of trying to steer clear of long term wetness in the roots (say hello to root rot). The potting medium should drain out quick to give those roots their peaches and cream – dryness.

So be sure to grab a commercial cacti and succulent mix that is perfect in drainage. Or create your own well-draining mix by combining measured quantities of regular potting soil, coarse sand and pumice.

Bright Sunlight

Aloe vera plants love the sun served bright every few hours per day. If you’re having it indoors, keep it near a south-facing window to get it’s fix of the sun. Remember to rotate the pot every 6 months to prevent stretching out or etiolated.

Outdoors, give your plant a dose of up to four hours of sunlight daily – under a shade. Please don’t have it under direct sunlight as this can greatly harm your beautiful aloe vera plant.

Room Temperature is Fine

You don’t need to worry about maintaining a particular reading. That temperature inside is just fine. No problemo!

Beware though. Super low readings are a bit of a stretch for aloe vera plants. Make a point of bringing the plant inside when winter hits. It will appreciate it and so will you. Nobody wants to water plants in the freezing winter do they? Let us know if you do, you’re a trooper!

Go Ahead and Grow Aloe Vera

Having an aloe plant is far more beneficial than just adding to your decor; although that’s a very nice thing.

Aloe vera plant possesses a myriad of health benefits making it such a valuable plant. Here’s a few that you can benefit from

• Improves digestion
• Joint and muscle pain reliever
• Plays a role in healing of wounds
• A perfect remedy for nausea
• Cures gum disease

And so on, you name it!

BE SURE TO ALSO READ:

• Definitive Newbie Guide to Aloe Vera Detox
• How the Aloe Vera Succulent can Help with Eczema
• Aloe Aristata— All About The Torch Aloe Plant
• 3 Aloe Vera Juice Benefits You Should Make Use Of

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Do you know of any other tips on maintaining an aloe vera plant or want to share photos of your own? Leave us a comment below or share your wisdom with other succulent lovers at our Facebook page, Succulent City Plant Lounge!

If you’d like this read you’re going to love our full in-depth ebooks! With so many of our succulent lovers asking for more, we listened and can’t wait to share it with you here! With our very detailed ebooks, you’ll get more information than these short articles, some ebooks are 30+ pages, perfect for a weekend read.

Happy planting!