Garden Care Guide

Aloe Vera Care

Aloe vera

A succulent known for the gel in its fleshy leaves, used for medicinal and decorative purposes. It likes plenty of bright, indirect light and very well-drained soils; its biggest enemies are overwatering and root rot.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 0 °C / 32 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
  • Pruning: Cut only completely dried-out leaves at the base.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Protect against frost risk or bring indoors. Make sure drainage is excellent.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.
February
  • Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
  • Pruning: Cut only completely dried-out leaves at the base.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Prepare for repotting and propagation.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.
March
  • Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
  • Fertilizing: A single application of cactus/succulent fertilizer (e.g. NPK 5-10-10) may be given at half dose. Do not overfeed; consult a specialist.
  • Pruning: Remove withered lower leaves.
  • Plant protection: Check for mealybugs and scale insects.
  • General care: The best time for repotting and separating offsets (propagation).
  • Pests & diseases: Avoid overwatering.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.
April
  • Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
  • Pruning: Cut off withered lower leaves and spent flower stalks.
  • Plant protection: Check for mealybugs and scale insects.
  • General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch out for root rot.
May
  • Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
  • Pruning: Cut off withered lower leaves and spent flower stalks.
  • Plant protection: Check for mealybugs and scale insects.
  • General care: Suitable period for planting and transplanting. Drainage is critical for this plant. In heavy, water-retaining soil, plant on a mound or bed raised 20-30 cm; the root collar should remain above the surrounding soil level.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch out for sunburn (reddening).
June
  • Watering: After the soil has dried out completely, water a little at a time every 15-20 days.
  • Pruning: Remove only dried-out leaves.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves for whitefly clusters. A yellow sticky trap is the easiest way to monitor density.
July
  • Watering: After the soil has dried out completely, water a little at a time every 15-20 days.
  • Pruning: Remove only dried-out leaves.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Move the potted plant to a spot that gets morning sun.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves for whitefly clusters. A yellow sticky trap is the easiest way to monitor density.
August
  • Watering: After the soil has dried out completely, water a little at a time every 15-20 days.
  • Pruning: Remove only dried-out leaves.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Avoid watering during extreme heat; the plant may be dormant.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves for whitefly clusters. A yellow sticky trap is the easiest way to monitor density.
September
  • Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
  • Pruning: Remove only dried-out or rotted lower leaves.
  • Plant protection: Check for mealybugs (isopropyl alcohol).
  • General care: A good time for propagation by separating the offsets. Repotting can be done.
  • Pests & diseases: Against the risk of root rot, be sure to reduce watering.
October
  • Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
  • Pruning: Remove withered leaves.
  • Plant protection: If you are going to bring it indoors, check for pests.
  • General care: Prepare for winter; move it to a more sheltered place if necessary.
  • Pests & diseases: Watch out for root rot.
  • Frost risk: Toward the end of the month, risk may begin.
November
  • Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.
December
  • Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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