If you’re like me, you love spending summer days outdoors in the sun. But what about your aloe vera plant? What is an aloe vera’s temperature tolerance? Does it like being in the extreme heat? Can it survive a frost? Should you move it indoors during the winter?
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In this article, we will give you the answers for what temperature aloe can tolerate and give you some tips on how to keep your aloe thriving all year long!
Aloe Vera Temperature Tolerance
To give the answer quickly, an aloe plant temperature tolerance is roughly 40F to about 100F (4C-38C). These are the extreme ends that it can survive at, but for it to thrive, it prefers more mild temperatures.
Your aloe plant will be much happier if it can be in an area that maintains a temperate climate, around 50-80F (10-27C) during day and night.
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Aloe Natural Climate
Aloe is most likely to be found out in the wild in climates that are fairly mild, never getting too hot outside or freezing. This plant prefers USDA plant hardiness zones 10 & 11.
If you live in an area with hot summers and cold winters, it’s best to grow aloe vera plants in pots so they can be moved indoors during the winter, or just grow them indoors in a sunny window year round!
Aloe Vera Cold Tolerance
While not all aloe vera plants have the same temperature tolerance levels, and some varieties can thrive in colder climates, most of them can only withstand a low of 40F regularly.
The reason why aloes can’t tolerate freezing temperatures has to do with the water inside their leaves. It’s leaves will quickly freeze because of the water content, and when water freezes, it expands. This can cause the cells in the leaves to rupture. If the temperature gets low enough, it can kill an aloe plant.
Your aloe plant may be able to survive one frosty night, but it cannot handle it regularly. This is why if you’ve got your aloe in a pot, bring it inside if you expect a below freezing night (or day).
Aloe Plant Heat Tolerance
On the other side of the temperature spectrum, aloe vera plants can handle quite a bit of heat. They are used to hot climates in their natural habitats and can withstand temperatures up to 100F.
The main thing you need to be careful about with heat is making sure your plant doesn’t get too much direct sunlight, and has air flowing if it is really hot. If it’s in a stifling full sun spot and it’s regularly getting to over 100F, it will be less likely to survive. Be sure to look out for leaves changing color from being sunburnt.
Should I Be Growing Aloe Indoors or Outdoors?
With all of this in mind, is it better to grow your aloe inside or outside? That really depends! If you live in an area with mild weather all year round, then feel free to keep your plant outside, and even plant it in the soil.
But if you have winters where the temperature gets below 40F or summers that are regularly over 100F, it’s best to grow aloe vera plants indoors.
Or best of both worlds – you can always have your aloe potted and move it outside during summer, and inside during winter!
Ideal Aloe Conditions
To sum it up, these are the ideal conditions for aloe plants:
– Temperatures between 50-80F, no lower than 40F or higher than 100F
– A climate that is not too humid
– Well draining soil
– Lots of sunlight
Now that you know all about aloe vera temperature tolerance, you can keep your plant healthy and happy all year long!