How Often Should You Water Your Aloe Plant? We Asked an Expert

There’s no strict timeline when it comes to watering an aloe plant. While once a week is a good parameter, it’s less about sticking to a strict schedule and more about keeping a close eye on your plant and checking the soil regularly.

Aloe plants need to completely dry out between waterings, which often means watering more frequently during the spring and summer growing seasons, according to Janet Sluis, plant expert for Sunset Plant Collection.

Here, our horticulturist shares even more aloe watering tips to ensure your plant remains healthy and hydrated, regardless of the season.

How Often Should You Water Your Aloe Plant?

Watering your aloe plant once every 7 to 10 days should be more than enough for this sun-loving succulent. But, Sluis says your watering schedule shouldn’t be set—instead, check the soil regularly before watering to make sure it’s completely dried out.

If you’re thinking it’s better to err on the side of overwatering versus underwatering, think again. Because aloe is a succulent, it stores water in its leaves and prefers to dry out completely between watering, Sluss explains.

Signs Your Aloe Plant Needs Water

Sluis shares the key factors to look out for when determining if your aloe plant needs watering.

• Leaves appear wrinkled
• Leaves will feel less plump
• Dry soil

Signs Your Aloe Plant Is Overwatered

Avoid overwatering your aloe plant by looking out for these indicators, Sluis advises.

• Squishy, soft leaves that may turn yellow or brown
• Leaves might split
• Soil may start to take on a stagnant smell
• Roots take on a brown cast and/or appear mushy or rotten (healthy roots will be firm and white)

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Should You Water Aloe from the Top or Bottom?

Bottom watering may lessen the chance of overwatering by encouraging even water distribution throughout the soil, says Sluis.

While it’s ideal to water your aloe plant from the bottom, this might not be realistic for larger plants or deeper pots, Sluis says. For plants and pots with these characteristics the plant expert says it’s best to water from the top to ensure the water reaches all of the roots.

4 Additional Tips for Watering Aloe Plants

To help keep your aloe plant healthy, happy, and thriving, Sluis suggests these helpful tips.

• Give it lots of light: Be sure to place your plant in a sunny spot if you’re keeping it indoors.
• Use room temperature water: Chilled water can shock the roots.
• Water the soil, not the leaves: Avoid getting the leaves wet as much as possible. Instead, aim the water at the base of the plant.
• Pot size matters. Larger pots will hold more moisture and won’t require watering as frequently as an aloe plant that’s housed in a smaller container.
• Keep healthy air circulation: This will help prevent an unhealthy level of moisture from building up, which could cause fungal diseases.