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Cacti & Succulents

Aloe Vera Sun Requirements

9 years ago

Hey all,

I know that Aloe Vera usually likes full sun. Last year I tried setting it in full sun but it got scorched. I ended up putting it in some shade then gradually let it be exposed to full sun. However, the aloe vera plant still kept getting burned by the sun. After about a month of trying to adjust it, I ended up simply leaving the plant under a patio umbrella. This area received no direct sun light only bright indirect sun. The Aloe Vera seemed to absolutely love this because it became very rich green in color and grew quite a few new leaves for the rest of the summer. Once winter came around I set it near a window inside for full sun and it did very well. Maybe a little bit of burning but it went away pretty fast. Now that it is getting warmer here in Minneapolis (Zone 4b) I am going to try this outside process again.

Do Aloe Veras like full sun, part sun, part shade? How long would you say it takes for an Aloe Vera to get used to the sun?

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Comments (4)

cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
9 years ago
They like full sun and about a month.
kirrr
9 years ago
I find my aloe grows faster in bright indirect light. It turns brown under direct full sun.
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Easy as pie! Especially if you live in a warm climate. Remove and plant offshoots or ÂpupsÂ in spring, when they are about 9-10cm tall. It can also be propagated by seeds. Sow in situ at an ideal temperature of 21Â°C in a well-drained soil. Germination occurs in 30-180 days. Seeds need light to germinate. Prefers full sun and a rough, gritty, dryish soil, with neutral pH. It will tolerate light shade, high heat and drought. If over-watered, the leaves will turn a murky pink. Grows well in a large pot. In cold climates, it should be grown indoors as it prefers warm temperatures. May take 4-5 years to reach maturity and will reproduce for up to 25 years. In short, it likes the heat, full sun, excellent drainage - and a minimum of water (but it won't survive without SOME water from time to time). My current patch, now 10 years old, has never had any fertiliser added to it, and it just keeps growing.
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It turned red because of more sunlight. It should go back to green with less light.
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Just a sun tan, not really a burn as in damage to the plant. Below, the plant on the right received more direct sun than the plant on the left. Both are healthy and both are absorbing the lowest, oldest leaves. I have also found that transplanting can cause enough stress for coloration, too. This is a pup recently removed and rooting.
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I agree with Karen. The plant is OK. That isn't sunburn you are seeing. Some people like their plants to look more green but I think your Aloe is showing a more healthy color outside. Your Aloe might begin to grow more compact now more like it would grow in nature.
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madabouteu
9 years ago
I agree with Kyrri. I suspect some of the small aloes grow in shrubby areas where they get partial shade from nearby plants - I know this is true for at least some haworthias because I have seen photos of them in habitat. Aloe Vera's original "home" is unknown, so who knows about it?
Crenda 10A SW FL
9 years ago
Mine are outside in full sun all year long. They do get a tan during my dry winters, but otherwise thrive.

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