A Comprehensive Guide on the Sunlight Requirements for Aloe Vera Plants
If you are considering adding Aloe Vera to your indoor or outdoor garden, but want to know what type of sunlight it needs, then you've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about this popular succulent's sunlight requirements, from full sun, partial shade, and fully shaded locations, to indirect or direct sunlight.
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that is native to dry, arid, desert-like climates. Due to its natural habitat, it is an undergrowth plant and is used to getting filtered sunlight. Growing under filtered light allows the aloe to receive the correct amount of light to prevent stretching but not too much light that would result in sunburning.
When it comes to sunlight requirements, Aloe prefers to be in a location of full, indirect sunlight. “Full sun” is considered any amount of sunlight greater than 6 hours in length each day. Indirect sunlight occurs in a brightly lit location where sunlight does not shine directly down on the plant. Rather, the sun passes through window curtains, blinds or the aloe sits slightly back from a window to prevent direct exposure. Direct exposure to sunlight can cause the leaves to sunburn and dry out faster than usual.
To provide the best environment for your Aloe Vera, it is recommended to place potted plants on a south-facing window that is blocked by trees. Full sun is achieved in a southern exposure, although east and west can also provide full sun locations. Full sun can be achieved in blocks of time too. If you have an east-facing window, the 3 hours of sun in the morning your east window receives, plus the later afternoon evening western sun may be enough light to achieve adequate light.
Partial sun, which is the same as partial shade, is sunlight exposure anywhere between 3-6 hours. This can be found in east and west-facing windows primarily. For succulents that don’t need direct sunlight, a north window location should be avoided. Although north windows are very underrated when it comes to houseplants, we'll save that topic for another time.
It is important to note that during the summer months, a south-facing window that is blocked by trees, a patio umbrella, a swing set, and so forth, might not provide enough sunlight. On the flip side, during the winter when the tree has lost its leaves and the umbrella is tucked away for the season, you may have the perfect spot. So you may need to move your aloe plant to different locations in your home as the seasons change.
When it comes to the distinction between direct sunlight and indirect sunlight, direct sunlight is a location where the sun's beams directly come through a window, resulting in a notable sunny spot in the house, a coveted spot for many indoor plants. However, this popular succulent prefers indirect sunlight to thrive well.
In conclusion, the sunlight requirements for Aloe Vera plants are very specific. To ensure that your Aloe Vera plant thrives, it is important to provide the correct amount of light, which is full, indirect sunlight. If you can't provide the right amount of sunlight in one spot, then you may need to move your plant to different locations in your home as the seasons change. By following these tips, your Aloe Vera plant will be healthy and grow beautifully.