This is the aloe vera plant, also called Aloe barbadensis. It is a beautiful houseplant that is known for the aloe vera gel that it makes.
We’ll explore the process of repotting aloe vera in each case. We’ll also discuss four best practices when repotting.
Aloe vera is well-known for its healing gel and versatility as a houseplant. With fleshy, spiked leaves and charming orange flowers, it adds a dramatic accent to any indoor space. But getting those plump leaves and robust growth starts with planting your aloe in the right soil.
Choosing the perfect potting mix is key to growing happy, healthy aloe vera plants. In this article, we’ll explore the ideal soil components, homemade mixes, and pre-made potting soils for aloe vera. Follow these tips and your plants will thrive for years to come!
Key Characteristics of Aloe Vera Soil
Aloe vera thrives in soil that is
- Fast draining
- Loose and airy
- Slightly acidic
- Low in salts
As a succulent, aloe vera stores water in its leaves and prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. A very porous, free-draining mix prevents soggy roots while still providing some moisture retention.
Here’s a closer look at what makes the best potting soil for aloe vera
Excellent Drainage
Drainage is by far the most important factor Aloe vera soil should drain quickly to prevent waterlogged roots,
Adding amendments like perlite, pumice, gravel or coarse sand ensures proper drainage. A general guideline is to include at least 50% aggregate materials.
Light and Airy Texture
Heavy, compacted soil will suffocate aloe vera roots and lead to rot. The best mixes feel light and fluffy.
Ingredients like peat moss, coconut coir, bark and compost create loose, aerated soil.
Slightly Acidic pH
Aloe vera prefers a pH between 6.0 to 6.5. Acidic soil contains fewer salts that can burn the roots.
Peat moss naturally helps acidify soil. Avoid alkaline components like crushed limestone or wood ash.
Low Salt Content
Salts easily build up in potting mixes, which can damage aloe vera over time.
Use thoroughly rinsed ingredients and avoid fertilizers at first to prevent salt accumulation.
DIY Aloe Vera Soil Recipes
With the right blend of ingredients, it’s easy to make your own customized aloe vera potting mix at home.
Here are two simple recipes to try:
Aloe Vera Cactus Mix
- 2 parts cactus/succulent soil mix
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part peat moss or coconut coir
Aloe Vera Cutting Mix
- 2 parts potting soil
- 2 parts coarse sand or perlite
- 1 part peat moss
If you want an even airier texture, replace up to half the potting soil with additional perlite, pumice or orchid bark.
And for extra nutrients, add some worm castings, compost or organic fertilizer. Just be sure to use sterilized components to prevent diseases.
Thoroughly combine all ingredients before filling pots. Moisten the mix as you plant for optimal moisture retention.
Best Pre-Made Potting Soils for Aloe Vera
Don’t want to blend your own custom mix? No problem! Here are some excellent ready-made potting soils for aloe vera:
-
Cactus and succulent potting mixes – Fast-draining and porous. Brands like Miracle-Gro and Superfly Bonsai offer quality cactus/succulent soils.
-
Coarse orchid mixes – Orchid barks soils provide perfect drainage. Look for mixes with fir bark, perlite, peat and charcoal.
-
Bonsai soil – Designed for miniature plants, bonsai mixes are lightweight with excellent drainage. Try mixes from Espoma, Superfly or Hoffman.
-
Coarse sand – Can be used alone or amended with peat moss or coir for moisture retention. Rinse thoroughly before using.
When using bagged potting soils, you may want to add extra perlite or gravel to increase drainage. And incorporate a little compost or worm castings for added nutrients.
What to Avoid in Aloe Vera Soil
There are a few common potting mix ingredients that should be avoided for aloe vera:
-
Straight compost or garden soil – Retains too much moisture and can compress.
-
Vermiculite or peat moss alone – Hold onto excess water.
-
Heavy clays or silty soils – Drain too slowly.
-
Regular potting mix – Often stays overly damp and dense.
-
Gravel or sand alone – Won’t provide any moisture retention.
The key is finding the right balance of moisture-retentive and fast-draining components. Test different mixes to see what works best for your plants and climate.
Tips for Planting Aloe Vera
When potting up your aloe vera plants, follow these tips for success:
-
Choose a pot with drainage holes that’s only slightly larger than the root ball.
-
Fill the container 1/3 full with moistened potting mix.
-
Set the aloe vera in place and fill remaining space with soil.
-
Press gently to secure the roots but don’t compact too much.
-
Leave 1-2 inches between the soil and pot rim for proper watering.
-
Water sparingly until established. Let soil dry out between waterings.
Repotting Aloe Vera to Split Aloe Pups
You can propagate aloe vera when repotting to grow more plants. As each baby plant forms a root system, you can separate the offsets from the mother plant.
Here’s how:
- Release the plant from its current pot.
- Separate each aloe pup carefully from its parent plant. Use a sharp knife to cut the offshoots apart, making sure that each baby plant keeps some roots and an inch of stem.
- If you need to, plant the main plant in a new pot with new soil.
- Leave the offshoots in indirect light until the cuts callus. Callus is a type of plant tissue that grows over a wound to protect it from getting infected and get it ready for new growth.
- Put each new plant in a pot that is the right size and has potting soil that drains well, like Rosy aloe vera soil.
- Place the pots in indirect sunlight.
- Gently water your new plants. Wait until the soil is mostly dry before watering again.
Pro tip: Propagate aloe vera when each aloe vera pup is around 2-3 inches tall.
Choosing the Best Soil
Aloe vera houseplants grow best in potting soil with:
- Aloe is a succulent plant, so it does best in soil that drains well or is dry, like cactus mix. Excessive water retention can cause root rot.
- Good airflow: Roots can take in oxygen better when the soil has good airflow.
- Lots of nutrients: Aloes need nutrients and organic matter to grow well, just like any other houseplant.
Plus, avoid soil mix containing unsustainable additives like peat moss, coco peat, and perlite.
We recommend: An Earth Positive soil mix like Rosy.
Rosy uses carbon-negative biochar, plant-based compost, and plant-friendly mycorrhizae to create the perfect medium for aloes.
Best Soil for Aloe vera
FAQ
What kind of soil does an aloe vera plant need?
Can aloe survive in regular potting soil?
What is the best thing to plant aloe vera in?
Do aloe plants need rocks at the bottom?
What kind of soil does aloe vera need?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that prefers well-draining soil, such as a mix specifically formulated for cactus and succulent plants. These types of soil mixes are designed to provide good drainage and aeration, which can help prevent overwatering and promote healthy root growth.
Is aloe vera plant beneficial for the skin?
Yes, it helps with skin hydration, maintaining skin integrity, healing wounds, treating burns and preventing ulcers. Its main use is the topic.
What is the best potting soil for Aloe plants?
My Recommendation: Succulent Soil from Tinyroots! If you are in a garden center looking for soil for your Aloe plants, choose succulent or cactus mix like this succulent soil from Tinyroots. This is the best potting soil option if you don’t want to create your own mix (in my opinion).
Can you grow aloe vera in organic soil?
Those who want an organic soil for aloe vera should consider Hoffman’s Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix. It contains a blend of sphagnum peat moss, reed sedge peat, perlite, sand, and limestone, an ideal combination for growing a variety of succulents, including aloe vera.