Is your Aloe Vera Plant Growing Outwards? You might be a little worried. Luckily, there’s no need to panic! This can be completely normal.
Aloe veras are popular houseplants and come in different shapes and sizes. You can find them in local nurseries, and if you’re fortunate, someone in your neighborhood might even give pups away at no cost. These succulents are easy to grow, making them a favorite choice for first-time plant owners.
In this article, I explain why it might seem like your aloe vera is growing outward. I also answer some common questions relating to this and share how to best care for your aloe vera plants, whether you grow them indoors or out.
Aloe Vera Plant Growing Outwards
If you’re used to seeing perfectly neat aloe vera plants, and suddenly yours seem to be growing outwards, a hundred questions might be racing through your mind! Below I answer some you might have:
Why Does Aloe Vera Grow Sideways?
Aloe vera grows sideways for a few reasons. The first is due to space. If your plants have more growing space, they’ll get larger and appear wider. Another reason is the direction from where sunlight comes. Your plant will lean toward the side where the most light is.
Are Aloe Plants Supposed To Spread Out?
If your aloe plants have the space to do so, they’ll likely spread out. How much space you give them is up to you. There’s no rule stating these plants need to look narrow and neat. Your aloes can grow as tall and wide as they like.
How Do I Get My Aloe Vera Plant To Stand Up?
Aloe veras thrive in warmer temperatures. If you’re asking yourself why does my aloe look droopy, then it may be time to find it a sunnier spot. If your aloe is potted indoors, find an area that gets at least 6 hours of daily sunlight. You should also ensure that the night temperatures don’t drop to lower than 50°F.
Moving your outdoor aloe may be trickier, but replanting it could be the best thing you do. If you’re sure sunlight is the problem, consider transplanting your aloe vera to a warmer spot.
How To Care For An Aloe Vera
If you want your aloe vera to be the healthiest it can be, taking good care of it is vital. These plants are considered low-maintenance, but they still have specific needs.
Aloe Vera Soil Requirements
Whenever you’re figuring out if your soil would be suitable for your aloe veras, remember that they’re succulents. Like other succulents, aloe veras like well-draining soil. These types are typically a little loose and have small rocks in them. Aloe veras need soil that drains well to prevent root rot.
Aloe Vera Sunlight Requirements – Aloe Vera Plant Growing Outwards
Aloe veras need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Without it, your plant will start drooping and become weak. Sunlight helps aloes photosynthesize and build energy for healthy growth.
Aloe Vera Watering Requirements
You shouldn’t water your aloe vera plants too frequently, but when you do water them, do it deeply. Your plant shouldn’t sit in water, so allow the soil to dry at least 2 inches deep before watering again.
Watering once a week during the summer should be sufficient, while once every 3 weeks will do during the winter.
Aloe Vera Fertilization Needs
Don’t fertilize your aloe vera more than once every 4 to 5 weeks. You should use a fertilizer balanced for houseplants or succulents and only use it during the summer and spring.
Succulents & Cactus Plant Food – Gentle Long Lasting Formula, Slow Release
Aloe Vera Pup Removal Requirements – Aloe Vera Plant Growing Outwards
Mature plants often produce pups. I suggest removing these for optimal growth. You can remove the aloe vera pups at their offset point. To find this, see where they’re attached to the mother plant. Use sharp gardening shears to separate the pups from the mother plant.
You should leave about 1 – 2 inches of stem on the pup for replanting. Place the pup in a cool spot for a few days until the opening has dried. This will protect it from root rot. When the wound has ‘healed,’ place the pup in well-draining soil and put the pot in a sunny location. Water the new plant after a week.
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Do Aloe Veras Grow Best Indoors or Out?
Aloe veras make excellent houseplants, however, they grow well outside too. These succulents are used to warm temperatures, so wherever you keep yours, ensure they’re in a sunny spot.
If your aloe vera is outside, give them water as its soil dries out. Warmer areas could mean more frequent watering. It would be best to choose an outdoor spot for your aloe vera plants that get an hour or two of shade daily.
Growing aloe veras indoors is relatively easy. You should place them in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of daily sunlight and water them once every two weeks. This will ensure healthy growth and keep your indoor aloe thriving.
5 Quick Facts About Aloe Veras – Aloe Vera Plant Growing Outwards
- Aloe veras take approximately 4 years to reach maturity, by which time they’re an average of 30 inches high with up to 21 leaves pointing in different directions.
- Aloe leaves are filled with gel and latex. Both substances are used medicinally.
- There are more than 500 different aloe plant species!
- Aloe veras consist of 99% water.
- The aloe vera plant can bloom, and these blossoms can come in different colors.
In Ending – Aloe Vera Plant Growing Outwards
Your aloe vera might not look like those in pictures you typically see, and that’s okay. All aloes grow differently, and yours can sway to one side more than the other, especially if it’s after a little more sun. The only reason for concern is when aloe leaves get too heavy for the stem. This could lead to breakage.
I hope this article was informative and that it answered all your questions. If there’s more you’d like to know about your aloe vera plant growing outward, ask me in the comments!
Natasha is an avid gardener and lover of nature. She grew up in a rural area surrounded by flowers, trees, and birds. She was inspired by this environment to grow her own garden. Natasha spends her weekends tending to her garden and taking care of her plants. She also enjoys hiking and exploring different areas to find new and interesting plants to add to her collection. Natasha‘s love of gardening has also inspired her to take classes and study horticulture. Her knowledge of plants, flowers, and trees is extensive and her garden is a testament to her hard work. Natasha loves to share her passion of gardening with others and often hosts gardening events in her community. Her enthusiasm for the outdoors and gardening is infectious and she is always eager to help others learn about gardening.