Aloes are incredibly hardy and beautiful succulents that are very easy to take care of. If you have kept succulents for a long time, you may have had the same aloe for years which might make you wonder: how long do aloe plants live?
Aloes can live for up to 12 years if all their basic needs are met.
Aloes, like most succulents, are durable and long-living plants that will be your companions for years to come if you take care of them correctly.
In this article, we will be getting to know the needs of the wonderful aloe and determine precisely how long they can live if we get everything right.
Let’s Learn About Aloes
The key to getting your plants to live their longest and best lives we need to fulfill all their basic needs.
So before we get into the lifespan of aloes, let’s look at their specifications.
| Specifications | |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Light | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Soil | Neutral pH, well-draining |
| Watering | Infrequent |
Aloes are succulents native to the Arabian Peninsula, so they are very used to dry, hot conditions. Like all succulents, aloes store moisture in their leaves for prolonged periods of drought so they can survive even if neglected.
However, if you want your aloe to grow to fulfill its most beautiful and healthy potential, then you need to get its needs right.
When it comes to watering, aloes prefer to be watered from the bottom if you are growing them in pots. They should be watered on an infrequent basis to prevent them from getting too moist. Most of the issues that could plague your aloes when it comes to pests and diseases can be prevented by ensuring that you do not overwater them. We suggest watering well and then leaving it until the top few inches of soil have sufficiently dried out before watering again.
Getting watering right is our number one tip for maintaining a healthy, long-living aloe.
Aloes can withstand high temperatures and dry conditions but will not tolerate frost. If you live in a colder climate, we recommend bringing them inside during the winter, or their lives may be cut short prematurely.
Their soil needs are simple. Like most succulents, aloes prefer a well-draining mix that is designed for cacti and succulents. You can also use regular potting soil with perlite mixed through. They prefer a neutral soil pH, so be sure to test your soil if your aloe is not looking its best.
Lastly, you need to consider light. Aloes like a good dose of sunlight but preferably not direct as this can burn the leaves. The best place to put an aloe, inside or outside, is where you receive bright but indirect sunlight for most of the day.
How Long Do Aloe Plants Live?
Aloe plants can live up to 12 years.
All aloe species are evergreen perennials, so they will continue looking fresh and green unless there is something wrong in their environment.
Aloes take three to four years to reach full maturity and establish themselves. Their adulthood should be around eight years long.
As we outlined above, caring for aloes is relatively simple, but it is vital to get these right, so your plant lives for as long as possible. If you follow these guidelines and meet their soil, watering, and light needs, then your aloe should live a long and healthy life.
While 12 years is considerable, it can be disappointing when a plant that you’ve cared for for so long dies.
Luckily, since it is a succulent, it can be very easily propagated. The mother plant will produce offsets, which are also known as pups. These can be removed from the aloe, left to form a callous, and planted separately so you can continue your sweet aloe’s legacy through its propagated babies.
If you are using your aloe for its medicinal and cosmetic purposes, we suggest only picking three to four leaves at a time so it doesn’t adversely affect the plant.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Is aloe vera immortal?
As you can see from our discussion, aloes only live up to 12 years, and this includes aloe vera.
This is a common misconception because the Ancient Egyptians called the aloe vera the ‘plant of immortality because they can live and bloom without soil rather than experiencing everlasting life.
What can aloe be used for?
The most common and popular aloe is aloe vera, which is used in many medicinal and cosmetic applications.
The gel from a freshly cut leaf can be used as a topical treatment for burns, rashes, and other skin abrasions. It can also be used on the face to help clear up acne.
While it can be bought from a shop, it’s cheaper and more convenient to use it directly from the plant.
Can I put aloe in my hair?
Yes! Aloe can be used as an effective scalp treatment to help combat oils and strengthen the hair.
Once you have extracted the gel from the leaves, it can be applied directly to your scalp and hair. Let it sit for thirty minutes before washing out.
Conclusion
Aloes are succulents that can live for 12 years if they are cared for correctly.
Luckily, aloes are very easy to take care of and will tolerate some neglect. They can even survive the leaves being constantly removed for topical treatments.
If you take care of your aloe and meet all its needs, it will live to adorn your home or garden for years to come.
