Aloe Vera is a plant that’s rich in antioxidants and even has some antiseptic and antibacterial benefits. This makes it a useful plant to grow and keep handy.
However, the aloe plant does take time to grow and develop the medicinal qualities that it is known for.
If you recently planted Aloe Vera, you may be staring at the flower pot, scratching your head, and wondering when it will sprout.
Fortunately, you won’t necessarily have to wait too long provided you properly care for your Aloe Vera plant.
Table of Contents
How Long Does It Take for Aloe Vera to Grow?
When grown indoors, Aloe Vera plants take approximately 3-4 years to fully mature. However, gardening methods such as providing plenty of sunlight, proper watering, repotting your aloe as it begins to grow, supplementing with fertilizer, and preventing overcrowding can speed up its growth.
Adequate Sunlight Speeds the Growth of Aloe Vera Plants
Although Aloe Vera plants can be grown indoors at a comfortable temperature (55- 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal), outdoor growing is preferable whenever possible as Aloe Vera requires plenty of sunlight for proper growth.
If you are growing Aloe Vera inside your home, be sure to place your plant on a window sill where it will receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day.
It’s also important to regularly rotate your aloe plant so that all sides of the plant receive adequate sun exposure.
Alternatively, you can grow your Aloe Vera plant indoors while providing approximately sixteen hours of exposure to bright artificial lighting each day, as long as you ensure that the lighting isn’t too harsh, which could damage the leaves and further slow the growth of the plant.
Even though Aloe Vera plants need sufficient sunlight, too much exposure to light could cause your plant to scorch and become dried out.
Proper Watering is Vital for the Growth of Aloe Vera Plants
Most plants need plenty of water to survive, but this is not the case with Aloe Vera. On the contrary, Aloe Vera retains moisture, so overwatering can be detrimental for this plant.
You should water Aloe Vera as deep as you can but do it infrequently. Although it is recommended for Aloe Vera to be watered once every two to three weeks, it’s best to determine the frequency of watering by the soil’s dryness.
Always make sure that you drain any excess water out of the pot after watering your Aloe Vera plant, and don’t water again until the soil has become completely dried out.
It’s also advisable to choose potting soil that drains quickly in the event that you overwater.
When selecting a pot for your Aloe Vera plant, clay pots or terracotta pots are preferable as they assist in the absorption of moisture.
Repotting Aloe Vera Plants Can Assist in Their Growth Rate
Aloe Vera plants need to be placed in a pot that’s large enough to provide them with room to grow. It’s advised to select a pot with a width that’s approximately three times larger than the root ball’s size.
However, you need to be careful not to use an oversized or deep pot for your Aloe Vera plant as this could result in complications with the roots.
Although it is possible to start out with a smaller-sized pot and repot your plant as it begins to grow, it’s best to choose an adequately sized pot for your Aloe Vera when you initially plant it.
If the pot is too small, the growth rate of your plant could become stunted.
You will also need to remove any baby plants that are eventually produced and repot them to avoid overcrowding which can result in the plants competing with each other for water and nutrients.
Fertilizer Can Speed the Growth of Your Aloe Vera Plant
No, Aloe Vera plants do not require fertilizer, but natural fertilization will strengthen your plant and boost its growth rate.
You can chop up banana peels and bury them inside the potting soil as an all-natural method of fertilizing your Aloe Vera plant.
The potassium from the bananas will assist your plant in efficiently using the water and nutrients derived from the soil and offer a source of protection from pests that could potentially damage your plant.
Alternatively, fertilizers that are low in nitrogen content can also encourage a faster rate of growth while contributing to the health of your plant.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Fast Does Aloe Vera Grow
What Are the Best Growing Conditions for Aloe Vera Plants?
Aloe Vera plants thrive best when they are grown in sunlight or with artificial lighting. Outdoor growing is ideal, but it’s possible to grow healthy aloe plants indoors as long as they are provided with adequate lighting.
Do Aloe Leaves Regrow after They Are Cut off?
Aloe plants do not have the capacity to regenerate leaves. However, the plant will grow and produce new leaves to replace those that have been cut off or broken.
How To Make My Aloe Vera Grow Faster?
Aloe Vera plants that are grown in proper conditions tend to grow faster than the average rate. The type of soil and pot that the plant is grown in, the temperature of the growing environment, and the amount of lighting provided can influence the rate of an Aloe Vera plant’s growth.
Conclusion
Since Aloe Vera is a succulent plant, it can take an especially long time to grow compared to your other plants.
However, there are gardening tactics that can speed the growth of your Aloe Vera plant, so that you can utilize the many medicinal benefits this plant offers.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.