Aloe vera is a popular, drought-tolerant succulent, prized for its medicinal gel and striking appearance. This plant naturally stores water within its thick, fleshy leaves, allowing it to survive long periods of dryness in its native arid habitats. While the aloe is forgiving, improper watering is the most common reason for a plant’s decline. Understanding the physical and visual cues the plant provides is the best way to determine its actual need for water.
The Easiest Way to Check: Soil Condition
The most reliable way to assess your aloe’s hydration needs is by physically checking the moisture level of its growing medium. You should only water the plant once the entire soil mass has had a chance to completely dry out. Use the “finger test,” inserting a finger about two inches deep into the soil. If the soil feels dry at this depth, it is time to water the plant. Using a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend, is important to facilitate this drying process and prevent excess moisture retention.
Visual Clues of Underwatering
When an aloe plant begins to use its stored water reserves, it exhibits specific visual changes that signal dehydration. The normally firm and plump leaves will start to feel softer and more pliable when gently squeezed, losing their turgidity. As the plant depletes its internal water, the leaves may start to thin out, wrinkle, or shrivel, sometimes curling inward to form a concave shape. In more advanced cases of thirst, the leaf tips may develop a slight reddish or grayish tinge or turn brown and dry out. These signs indicate that the plant is drawing moisture from its own tissue and requires prompt watering.
The Danger of Too Much Water
While underwatering causes the plant to shrink, overwatering presents a different set of symptoms that can be far more damaging. Providing water too frequently is the most common mistake and the primary killer of indoor aloe plants. Overwatered leaves often become soft, mushy, or translucent, sometimes turning yellow at the base. Excess moisture can cause the plant’s cells to absorb too much water, leading to edema, where the leaves develop blistered or swollen spots. The most serious consequence is root rot, which occurs when perpetually wet soil deprives the roots of oxygen. Affected roots become brown, mushy, and may emit a foul odor.
Establishing a Watering Routine
Once you have confirmed that the soil is completely dry, the correct technique involves deep, thorough watering to fully rehydrate the soil mass. The “soak and dry” method is recommended, applying water until it freely drains out of the pot’s drainage holes. Allowing the excess water to escape is important, as standing water will inevitably lead to root problems. Environmental factors like light exposure and pot size influence how quickly the soil dries out, so a rigid schedule is less effective than checking the soil.
You must adjust your watering frequency according to the season and the plant’s growth cycle. During the active growing months of spring and summer, the plant will require water more frequently, perhaps every two to three weeks. When temperatures drop in the fall and winter, the aloe enters a period of dormancy where its growth slows. During this time, reduce watering to once every three to four weeks, or even less, as the plant’s moisture needs are minimal.