Aloe Vera

Known for its lance-shaped leaves with jagged edges, aloe vera is a popular houseplant for many reasons: It’s one of the best air-purifying plants (great for the bedroom, bathroom or kitchen) and has an array of dermatologist-approved benefits like helping to reduce acne and wrinkles, healing wounds or easing irritation from sunburns.

Plus, even if you’re far from a green thumb, caring for aloe vera is fairly low maintenance — and this guide on how to grow aloe vera will make it even simpler. To keep your aloe plant happy, stick with dry conditions (it can even tolerate infrequent watering) and bright, indirect light (try a sunny windowsill, for example). Keep in mind that overwatering and lack of light are common issues that disrupt this plant’s growth. Also, keep the plant away from children and pets — it’s toxic when consumed.

Along with helpful care tips, below, we share how to repot and harvest your aloe as well as how to grow aloe vera from leaf cuttings. This means you can enjoy a whole new plant or gift some to friends by simply cutting off and planting aloe vera pups! As you read the following how-to-grow aloe vera guide, we hope you enjoy the plant care process. Because in three to four years, your fast-growing succulent will grow up to three feet in height all because you chose to become a plant parent.