Where Should Aloe Vera Plant Be Kept? (Ideal Spot+Points To Remember)

Aloe veras are tropical succulents that grow in dry and sunny regions. When you think of planting them, finding the right spot is of utmost importance. So, let’s find out where they would grow best.

Aloe vera grows best when planted under enough sunlight and well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil. The North or West facing side is ideal for them as it allows sufficient light. Keep the humidity low and maintain a temperature of 55-80°F for the plant to thrive.

There is much more to understand about selecting suitable locations for aloe veras. This guide will help you understand the right locations to plant aloe vera and some factors to consider before planting them.

Where does aloe vera grow best? – Factors to consider while planting aloe vera

Aloe vera grows best when planted in the right location with the correct growing environment and surroundings.

You need to find out where aloe vera can get enough sunlight, warm temperatures, and low humidity.

The direction of the sunlight

Since aloe vera enjoys bright direct sunlight for 5 to 6 hours, you should see which location of your garden gets the maximum light.

For that, you need to understand which direction will provide an adequate amount of sunlight needed by the aloe veras.

You also need to ensure that aloe veras don’t get exposed to harsh sunlight that can cause sunburn.

You can put on shading nets on days when the sunlight is too intense.

Ensure that the location receives enough direct sunlight because the more sunlight Aloe vera gets, the faster and healthier it will remain.

Also read: What Kind Of Light For Aloe Vera Plants? (Full sun, Shade, Or Partial Light?)

Soil

You should consider this if you plant aloe veras directly in the garden.

If your garden has any sandy or rocky spots, you can plant aloe veras there.

Since aloe veras are desert plants and enjoy dry conditions, they thrive in such locations.

The only problem could be the fast drainage of water.

You can amend it by mixing some garden soil.

It will help in retaining the moisture for some time.

Also read: What Type Of Soil For Aloe Vera Plant? (+Ideal Soil Mix)

Ground vs. pot

Aloe veras will grow well in both the ground and pot, provided with the right soil and other growing conditions.

The soil must be well-drained, the pot should be porous and have drainage holes, and the plant must receive sufficient temperature, watering, and fertilizer.

Outdoors vs. indoors

Aloe veras grow best outdoors and indoors as long as their growing conditions are replicated and requirements are fulfilled properly.

They grow best outdoors because they can get enough amount of light.

They love light, and it also encourages faster growth.

Temperature and humidity

Outdoors, you cannot control the temperature.

Though aloes grow best outdoors, you must protect them during extreme temperatures. 

The temperature around the plant can also change under the sun.

The more sunlight they get, the higher the temperature will be in their surroundings.

Low sun levels will reduce the temperatures.

Though Aloe vera grows best outdoors, you have to protect it during the winters as it cannot tolerate cold.

Outdoors, your Aloe vera rarely suffers humidity issues because they will get a lot of sunlight and ventilation, which are responsible for reducing the humidity level to a great extent.

Also read: Do Aloe Vera Like Humidity? (Ideal Humidity+How To Maintain)

Other surrounding conditions 

You must check the surrounding conditions.

There should not be any tall trees or walls near your Aloe vera.

The tall trees will not only block the sunlight but will also increase humidity.

The dewdrops from the trees can fall upon the aloe vera and increase the humidity.

The big tall walls will also block the sunlight. 

However, on the contrary, it won’t be a problem if they stay at a proper distance, neither too close nor too far.

It will save the plant from various problems like strong wind or harsh sunlight.

Aloe vera will grow best if planted out of the pets’ reach.

It will not only keep the plant from destruction but will also keep the pets safe.

If ingested mistakenly, it will cause muscle cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

Where should I plant my aloe vera?

If you plant aloe vera outdoors, one cannot mention the best location because it can differ depending on the sun’s direction and the zones and hemispheres.

However, I have tried to cover up this and explained some points after reading which the best location for aloe veras might become easy to find in your garden.

So, let’s begin.

A sunny spot

Plant the aloe veras at a sunny location that receives at least 5 to 6 hours of daily sunlight.

A south direction with some amount of shelter is good for aloe vera.

It will save them from turning red or brown in zones 9 to 11.

The sun’s direction can be different depending on the climate.

It can be the south or west direction for the northern hemispheres and the north direction for the southern hemisphere.

Sometimes, finding the right place also depends on your region’s climate.

If you live near the coast or sea levels, your aloe veras must get at least 6 hours of sunlight.

But, if you live in arid, inland regions with a height of 1,000 feet or above, your aloe must get only 4 hours of sunlight.

For that, you can choose a location that receives the direct morning sun but not the harsh sun of the mid-day and afternoon. 

If you are having trouble finding the best location that gets the mentioned hours of sunlight, find a sunny spot and plant them there.

During harsh sunlight, use shading nets to protect them.

You must also ensure that some trees or low walls are present around them at a distance.

These trees and walls will protect the aloe veras from the direct, harsh sunlight during the summers.

The trees will also protect the aloes from sudden strong winds.

Temperature

Choose a location that receives at least 55 to 80°F.

It differs because a location directly under the full sun will have a temperature higher than the location with some partial shade.

So, measure the temperature of your chosen locations and grow aloe veras at the spot which gets 55 to 80°F.

A location under direct sunlight can increase its temperature during hot summer days.

If the Aloe vera stays at such a location, it will suffer sunburn and go dormant if the temperature goes beyond 80°F.

You can worry less about the humidity outdoors because adequate sunlight and airflow will not allow the humidity to raise its level around the plant.

Sandy or rocky soil

A sandy, gravelly, or rocky location would be the best spot for aloe veras.

Aloe veras grow in dry and hot climates over the desert regions.

If your garden has such locations, plant your aloe veras there without further analysis.

If the sunlight gets harsh, it can be reduced by shading nets.

The sandy or rocky soil won’t hold water for a long time and drain quickly.

Aloes will love to stay and grow at such places, and over time, they will thrive.

Avoid soggy areas as they can retain moisture for a long time and cause root rot.

Soil pH

Aloe vera prefers pH levels ranging between 7.0 and 8.5.

Before you plant the aloe veras in the ground, conduct a pH test of the soil.

However, they won’t mind slightly acidic soil too.

You can add wood ash or lime to adjust the pH level.

You can plant aloe vera in pots.

If your region receives frosty winter, you can grow Aloe veras in pots.

It will help you bring aloe vera indoors when the winter season arrives.

If your regions receive temperatures below 50°F, you must bring your Aloe veras indoors.

But, if you stay at zones 9 to 11, you don’t need to grow Aloe veras in pots. 

You can directly plant Aloe vera in the ground as these zones will receive mild winter, which these plants can tolerate.

You can even plant aloe vera in pots made of porous materials like terracotta or clay.

It can take away moisture easily and save the plant from overwatering and root rot.

A big planting site would be best to grow multiple aloe veras

A big enough place would be best for aloe vera.

A mature plant measures 24 to 39 inches.

So, if you are planting multiple aloe veras, find a big location and maintain a distance of at least 2-3 feet between each plant.

A spot where pets and children won’t wander

This is also an essential point while finding the right location.

We always think about giving aloe veras a better location where they would get enough sunlight, well-drained soil, and adequate temperature and humidity.

We forget that many people have pets and children at home in the process.

Their curiosity can make them loiter around the aloe veras, and they might even ingest them by mistake.

Aloe vera is considered toxic for pets.

Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle cramps.

An isolated area where pets and children won’t think of loitering is best for aloe veras.

It will also keep your aloes from getting destroyed due to their bites.

The Northern or Eastern direction of your house

According to the Vastu, it would be best to plant aloe veras in your house’s North or East direction.

It will ensure good luck, positivity, health benefits, and purifying air.

While finding the right location, also consider the location for Vastu.

Don’t go for a northeast direction as that can give opposite impacts.

If you belong to the northern hemisphere, these two directions might receive less sunlight.

It can be managed with grow lights, however.

It won’t be a problem if you live in the southern hemisphere.

In this hemisphere, the east-west sides get maximum sunlight near the equator, and the north receives the most near the South Pole.

Away from rooftops and fountains

These regions can make the soil saturated and moist for a long time.

If your aloe veras are placed at such locations, they will soon experience overwatering and root rot because they don’t enjoy wet conditions.

They are drought-tolerant and enjoy dry conditions.

The rooftops can drop rainwater and dewdrops constantly on the soil bed.

The fountains can splash water on the soil bed and the plant, thus increasing the chances of overwatering and high humidity.

So, a location away from such areas is good for aloes.

How to plant aloe veras?

First, select an ideal location for aloe vera.

If you don’t get a location with all the above requirements, select a location with at least 5 to 6 hours of sunlight, well-drained, sandy or rocky soil, and proper temperatures.

You can even amend the soil by adding sand or gravel.

Dig a hole depending on the size of the roots and root ball. 

Take the succulent and plant it in the hole.

Now cover the roots with the soil.

Make sure that only the roots are covered with the soil and not the leaves.

You can add some gravel to the surface of the soil bed.

It will keep the soil in place.

If you live in a cold region, adding these rocks or pebbles will trap the warmth in the soil.

Water the soil after a few days.

Give the plant time to develop and repair roots.

Your plant won’t get harmed as it can store water in the leaves. 

Young plants should be watered lightly and not exposed to direct sunlight.

For planting them in pots:

If you are using a pot, make sure it has drainage holes.

Check our soil article to know the suitable soil mixes for pots.

If you don’t want to put any effort, use a commercial cactus and succulent soil mix.

Take ½ parts of succulent and cactus soil mix each.

Fill half of the container with the soil.

Dig a hole according to the root size.

Place the Aloe vera in the hole by spreading the roots well.

Now, cover the roots with the remaining soil.

Make sure not to cover the leaves.

Cover the surface with some gravel.

It will ensure more drainage and also hold the warmth.

It will also stop the cold temperature from reaching the roots.

Wait for some days to water the plant.

Let them develop some more roots.

Also, give them indirect light for some days.

After that, water them well and expose them to the sunlight.

Final words

So, there are many options regarding where to plant aloe veras. You can choose any one of the above options.

If you find issues in finding the right place to plant them, select a location that gets sufficient sunlight, sandy, gravelly or rocky soil, and enough airflow.

Also, make sure that the tall trees are not too close, but at a distance, and no rooftops, fountains, tall walls, or buildings are near the planting site.

You can manage the rest with slight amendments. For instance, put on shading nets if the sunlight is harsh or create a fence to stop the pets from reaching the site.

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Reference: NCBI, New York Botanical Garden, University of New Hampshire, University of Florida, Wikipedia.