How Long Do Aloe Plants Usually Live?

Healthy aloe plants are known to live a long time.

Aloe plants are known to live up to 25 years when they are properly cared for and maintained. Factors such as growing conditions and plant use contribute to the overall health and lifespan of the aloe plant.

Growing Conditions

Proper soil conditions and watering is necessary to prevent the plant from dehydrating or rotting. Aloe plants require well-drained, sandy soil that is allowed to completely dry in between watering. Mealybugs and other pests will lower the lifespan of the plant. Aloe plants require protection from freezing and are not able to withstand temperatures below 41 degrees F.

Harvesting

Over-harvesting or cutting of the aloe leaves, especially in young plants, has a negative effect on the plants health. To prolong the life of the aloe plant, keep cuttings and leaf use to a minimum until the plant is older and well-established.

Offshoots

Growing multiple aloe plants will allow more leaves to be cut and used without damaging the health of the plant. Pull up the offshoots when they appear and plant them in a separate container. Once the plant grows and matures, alternate leaf cuttings between the plants to prolong plant's health and life.

References

• "Ortho's All About Herbs"; Maggie Oster; 1999
• "The Ultimate Book of Herbs & Herb Gardening"; Jessica Houdret; 2001

Resources

• University of California Davis Botanical Conservatory: The Genus Aloe
• University of Hawai'i at Manoa: Aloe