Aloes

Difficulty: Easy

Pet Friendly: No

 

Native to Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula, Aloe plants grow naturally in deserts and rocky ground. 

This succulent requires bright indirect sunlight and good drainage to thrive. These succulents can handle direct sunlight but will have difficulty flowering later in life if still receiving too much sun. Containers with drainage holes and well-draining cactus and succulent soil will help prevent root rot. If possible, use a mix with 20% coarse sand, 40% perlite, and 40% generic succulent soil. The generic succulent soil should contain a mix of lava rock, orchid bark, and additional perlite. Wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again. If you cannot provide your Aloe with this mixture, I have found that regular succulent soil works fine, but I would recommend adding perlite and coarse sand to the potting mixture for optimal growth.