Can You Plant an Aloe Vera Plant Outside?

Aloe vera grown indoors.

Aloe vera is a medicinal succulent with long spring green blades that contain a thick sap.The blades have small teeth-like notches, but these are not sharp. Occasionally, mature aloe vera plants develop pinkish-yellow flowers. Originating in Africa, this aloe can be grown outdoors in tropical climates and is happy indoors in a well-lit environment.

Climate

You can plant an aloe vera outside if you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11, which includes areas of Florida, California and Hawaii.

Containers

Aloes make great container plants. If your aloe vera is in a container and you do not live in zones 10-11, allowing your plant to spend the summer outside is beneficial.

Uses

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant. Its gel soothes sunburns and moisturizes dry skin, and aloe capsules may sooth upset stomachs.

Types

There are over 250 species of aloe, including aloe vera. While aloe vera is not the only medicinal aloe, it's certainly the best known.

Requirements

If you plant your aloe outside, choose a full sun location and use a mix of well-draining soil and sand or a cactus potting soil. As with all succulents, water the plant infrequently.

References

• Guide to Growing Aloe Plants
• USDA Hardiness Zone Map
• Health Benefits of Aloe Vera