The Best Soil for Aloe Vera of 2022: Choosing Tips

In this article, we’ll explain exactly what kinds of soil aloe vera require as well as provide a list of the top 6 soils.

What can’t you do with aloe vera? You need the best soil for aloe vera to benefit from this plant’s superhuman medical abilities, I mean, come on.

Aloe vera prefers dry, well-draining soil with regular watering every week or two. As the saying goes, once a desert plant, always a desert plant. Although aloe is very simple to overwater, avoid submerging it as well. The ideal soil will hold onto just the right amount of moisture to continuously feed your aloe.

Discover why the following items make the best soil for aloe vera plants and what components to look for when purchasing the best medium for this attractive succulent.

1. BEST OVERALL: Generic Succulent Plant Soil
2. BEST FOR DRAINAGE: Perfect Plants Organic Succulent Soil Mix
3. BEST VALUE: Miracle-Gro Succulent Potting Mix
4. BEST FOR NUTRITION: Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil – Jacks Gritty Mix
5. BEST ORGANIC SOIL MIX: Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix
6. ALSO CONSIDER: xGarden Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix

What Kind of Soil Does Aloe Vera Need?

Aloe vera is a succulent that is adapted to tolerating drought-like conditions in its native range of the Arabian peninsula.

In their natural habitat aloe vera grow in gritty, well draining soils that do not hold much water and allow excess water to drain away so they roots are not sat in boggy ground.

Due to the aloe vera’s adaptations to dry environments they are especially vulnerable to root rot which is caused by overwatering and planting aloe vera in a potting mix that retains too much moisture around the roots.

It’s crucial to mimic the soil conditions of the aloe’s natural habitat when growing aloe vera in pots, using more inorganic material (grit) than organic material (compost).

Aloe vera should be planted in a mixture designed especially for succulents and cacti, which closely resembles the ideal soil conditions for succulents.

A gritty succulent soil mix has a good aerated, porous structure that allows water to reach the roots of the aloe vera and yet also drain away efficiently which significantly reduces the risk of root rot and mitigates a lot of the danger from overwatering whilst having the right balance of nutrients that aloe vera requires.

Aloe vera requires little food and grows slowly, remaining robust and compact in full sun, negating the need for additional fertilizer to boost the soil’s nutrient levels.

Aloe Vera Potting Soil Requirements

The best soil for indoor aloe vera plants is a specially designed succulent and cacti potting soil that contains inorganic material with varying particle sizes to allow water to drain easily and to lessen compaction around the roots. The ideal soil environment of aloe vera’s native environment is replicated by soil from succulent and cacti plants.

Aloe vera should always be planted in pots with drainage holes in the base and the right soil to create the ideal balance of moisture and dryness for aloe vera to thrive. The right soil should support good watering practices.

Aloe Vera Potting Soil Requirements	Soil Characteristics
Well draining:	Dry soil conditions found in the aloe’s natural habitat are replicated by well-draining soil. Aloe vera is susceptible to root rot, so its important water drains away from the aloe vera’s roots effciently.
Aerated:	Aloe vera needs soil that contains large-particle inorganic material to help oxygen circulate around the roots as they absorb moisture from the air rather than the soil.
Low to medium fertility:	Aloe vera has adapted to growing in gritty soil with not much nutrients and prefers lower nutrients soil. Aloe vera cannot grow in regular potting soil because it is too nutrient-rich.
Soil pH:	The growth of aloe vera is unaffected by soils that are neutral, slightly alkaline, or slightly acidic.

Our Top Picks

These indoor soil mixtures needed to be especially made for growing succulents and have exceptional drainage in order to make the following lineup. Aloe vera can be grown successfully with any of the following products because they all have ingredients that will help the plant’s roots get the oxygen they require to thrive.

Best Overall

Generic Succulent Plant Soil

With this succulent mixture of peat moss, perlite, lime, and horticultural-grade sand, there’s no need to worry about overwatering. The peat moss and perlite slowly absorb moisture and release it while the sand and lime help the mixture drain quickly.

Additionally, the mixture provides plenty of aeration to maintain the health of the aloe vera roots and won’t become compressed over time. Order several bags if you’re repotting a big aloe vera because it comes in a rather tiny 1-quart-size bag. One or two small aloe vera plants can be repotted with just one bag of this succulent plant soil.

Product Specs

• Designed for Succulents: Yes
• Ingredients: Sphagnum peat moss, perlite, lime, sand
• Fertilizer Included: No

Pros

• Drains well
• Sand provides structural integrity
• Formulated for growing healthy succulents

Cons

• Small quart-size bag

Best for Drainage

Perfect Plants Organic Succulent Soil

A quick-draining potting soil made up of sand, coconut coir, perlite, and pine bark won’t hold onto water. Large chunks of the perlite used in this mixture help to improve faster drainage and add more loft to the soil. In order to provide the best soil for plants like aloe vera that require the most drainage, one of the head growers at Perfect Plants developed this blend specifically for succulents.

Composting the bark in this mixture results in biodegradation, which gives it nutritional value without the use of artificial fertilizers. The mixture is packaged in a 4-quart bag, which is adequate to repot a medium-sized to large aloe vera plant.

Product Specs

• Designed for Succulents: Yes
• Ingredients: Bark, perlite, coir, sand
• Fertilizer Included: No

Pros

• Fast draining
• Sand adds structural integrity to soil
• Large-size perlite for aeration
• Resealable bag

Cons

• No fertilizer added

Best Value

Miracle-Gro Succulent Potting Mix

Use this Miracle-Gro potting mix to save money on succulent soil. It’s made to drain well while giving aloe vera what it needs for a healthy start, and it’s reasonably priced. The combination of sphagnum peat moss, refined forest products, and a wetting agent produces a strong, aerated base for aloe vera roots.

This blend, like the majority of Miracle-Gro potting mixtures, has a small amount of additional fertilizer to aid in promoting succulent roots in newly planted containers. Aloe vera will be fed by the fertilizer for the first month. To keep the plant healthy and growing well after that, use an all-purpose fertilizer as directed by the manufacturer. A 4-quart bag contains the growing mixture.

Product Specs

• Designed for Succulents: Yes
• Ingredients: Sphagnum peat moss, processed forest products, fertilizer, wetting agent
• Fertilizer Included: Yes

Pros

• Drains well
• Fertilizer included
• Formulated for growing healthy succulents

Cons

• Does not contain sand or gravel; better suited to small plants

BEST for Nutrition

Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil – Jacks Gritty Mix

Your Aloe Vera plant will thrive in the fast-draining potting soil known as Bonsai Jack. Because it is nutrient-mixed, it will give your aloe plant some beneficial nutrients.

Your plant will thrive in this soil, which will promote the growth of your aloes.

Product Specs

• Designed for Succulents: Yes
• Ingredients: Pine Coir, Bonsai Block, and Monto Clay.
• Fertilizer Included: No

Pros

• Fast draining
• Retains moisture and releases it slowly
• Clay and sand offer soil stability

Cons

• On the pricey side

Best Organic Soil Mix

Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix

Hoffman’s Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix is a good option for those looking for an organic soil for aloe vera. A variety of succulent plants, including aloe vera, can be grown there because it contains a mixture of sphagnum peat moss, reed sedge peat, perlite, sand, and limestone.

Although the Hoffman mixture contains two different types of peat, which are naturally acidic, the addition of limestone balances the acid/alkaline level to produce a mixture that is within the acceptable 5.5 to 8.5 pH range. The mixture is packaged in a 4-quart bag and is expertly made. Also included are how-to guides and growing advice.

Product Specs

• Designed for Succulents: Yes
• Ingredients: Sphagnum peat moss, reed sedge peat, perlite, sand, and limestone
• Fertilizer Included: No

Pros

• Drains quickly
• Contains sand for structural integrity
• Professionally formulated for succulents

Cons

• More peat than some mixes

Also Consider

XGarden Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix

The Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix from xGarden is another growing mixture that is excellent for maintaining the health of aloe vera plants. Peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite (a light mineral that aids in aeration) are all present. Extremely well-draining soil mixture The addition of perlite and vermiculite prevents the soil from becoming too compacted while also forming tiny air pockets that allow the aloe vera plants to access the oxygen they need.

It is best suited for small or medium-sized aloe vera plants because it doesn’t contain sand or other stabilizing ingredients. To aid in root anchoring for larger specimens, think about incorporating some horticultural sand into the soil mixture. This mixture comes in a sizable 8-quart bag.

Product Specs

• Designed for Succulents: Yes
• Ingredients: Peat moss, perlite, vermiculite
• Fertilizer Included: No

Pros

• Drains well
• Provides optimal aeration
• Well suited for small aloe veras

Cons

• No sand or gravel

On Amazon, purchase the xGarden succulent soil.

Our Verdict

The Generic Succulent Plant Soil, our top choice overall, meets the requirements for both large and small aloes while also draining well and providing an ideal environment for growing them. Our budget-friendly choice, Miracle-Gro Succulent Potting Mix, comes with additional fertilizer and is reasonably priced.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Soil for Aloe Vera

Although aloe vera originally came from the arid, sandy climate of the Arabian Peninsula, it is now widely grown in tropical and warm climates around the world. It’s one of the very few houseplants that thrives when placed in a sunny southern window where it gets direct sunlight. The plant can give years of enjoyment with the right soil and enough light.

AVOID planting aloe vera in garden soil or soil intended for all houseplants. Both are excessively dense and can cause root rot. When selecting aloe vera soil, consider the following aspects.

Ingredients

Aloe vera grows best in soil that doesn’t retain water, such as sand and gravel. Other beneficial ingredients include:

• Pumice, a porous, lightweight volcanic rock that adds structural integrity to the grow mix and drains well.
• Perlite, a type of fluffy volcanic glass that resembles Styrofoam pellets. Sometimes called “volcanic popcorn,” perlite keeps potting soil from becoming compressed, but it does absorb a small amount of water and then releases it slowly.
• Chunks of bark, which are often used as a base ingredient in potting soil suitable for growing aloe vera.
• Lava rocks, another volcanic rock, adds stability to the soil and drains well.
• Peat moss, which may be included in some mixes but usually in small quantities since it retains some water.
• Fertilizer that is added to the mix to encourage healthy plant growth. Feeding an aloe vera plant won’t be necessary for 1 to 3 months if the blend contains a fertilizer product.
• Coconut coir, which keeps soil from compressing.

Drainage

Aloe vera should be planted in the proper kind of pot and the appropriate soil to promote good drainage. Because these materials are absorbent and aid in removing extra water from the soil, an unglazed clay or terra-cotta pot is frequently the best choice. In order for water to drain out, the bottom of the pot must also have drainage holes.

When watering a plant, place it in a sink to allow excess water to drain and provide the best drainage possible. If this isn’t feasible due to the size or location of the pot, allow water to collect in a plant saucer and then, after about 30 minutes, dump the water to prevent the potting soil from reabsorbing it.

Aeration

The roots of the aloe vera plant prefer to slightly (but not completely) dry out between waterings, like those of many succulents. Rocks and bark chips combined with other bulky materials produce tiny air pockets in the soil that provide the roots with easy access to oxygen. Aloe thrives in soil that retains a little moisture, however. Perlite and peat moss are examples of materials that slowly release the water they have absorbed. The plant can access oxygen and a small amount of moisture this way, and the roots also have access to both.

The most common error made by novice growers is giving the plant too little water too frequently. Only water the plant once every three weeks, but give the aloe vera enough water so that it runs out the drain holes at the bottom of the pot. This enables the plant to dry out between waterings by allowing the roots to absorb the water the plant stores in the form of a gel in its leaves. Watering can be decreased to once every four weeks in the winter, when aloe is dormant.

PH Level

Aloe vera tolerates a wide pH range and typically grows well in soil with a pH that ranges from 5.5 to 8.5. 7 is regarded as neutral on the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14. Numbers greater than 7 are more alkaline, while those less than 7 are more acidic. Online stores and gardening supply stores sell inexpensive pH testers.

The pH range for most succulent growing mixtures is between 5.5 and 8.5, but keep in mind that when a plant is watered, the pH of the soil can change. Since tap water typically has a pH between 6.5 and 8.5, it’s a good thing that aloe vera rarely has issues with tap water’s pH. However, if you have a sick aloe plant and are unsure if the tap water is to blame, think about collecting rainwater or giving the plant filtered water.

Signs That Your Aloe Vera is in the Wrong Soil

Through their leaves, plants can communicate. When our plants are happy, sad, exhausted, anxious, overwhelmed, or overjoyed, they change color similar to mood rings. Your aloe will alert you to its incorrect soil by spiky foliage, LOL, you get the idea. Your aloe plant’s leaf blades may droop, turn brown at the tips, turn yellow, or dry out and curl inward. Identifying the root of yellowing leaves or any other sign of distress in your aloe plant may require some expertise and experience, but you can be certain that altering the soil will only be beneficial. For this plant, too dry soil can be more harmful than too wet soil, but both can have long-term effects. Here are five signs your aloe needs a change of potting soil scenery:

• drooping leaves. If the leaves on your aloe vera plant are falling off, it could be a sign of dehydration or the beginning of rot or a root infection. If the soil is too dry, the plant may not be receiving enough water or the soil may not be retaining moisture long enough. A plant under stress, a root that is beginning to rot, or a fungus that is vying for space and resources may all be symptoms of excessive moisture in the soil.
• brown leaf tips. Brown aloe tips are typically an indication of dryness, either from soil that has been underwatered or that has drained too quickly. The last parts of the leaves to absorb moisture will also be the first to stop doing so when the level is low. A sign that the roots are under stress or have been damaged and are unable to absorb moisture is the soil that is too wet.
• yellowing leaves. A sign of root rot is typically aloe leaves turning yellow. It is impossible for a plant to produce chlorophyll if it is unable to absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil. Dropping leaves can sometimes, but not always, be accompanied by yellowing as a sign of overwatering.
• dry, curling leaves. Dehydration is definitely present if the full leaves start to dry, shrink, and curl. When an aloe is either underwater or in soil that is too dry, it will wait patiently for more moisture, and its final attempt to use the moisture reserves in the leaves to prolong the waiting process is to shrink and curl the leaves. If this is unsuccessful, the aloe will eventually dry out completely.
• fungal infection. The small, shallow root system that enables an aloe plant to flourish in much drier conditions can be quickly destroyed by a fungal infection in the moist soil of the plant. In addition to infecting and consuming the plant’s roots, the fungus will compete with other soil organisms for space and nutrients. The development of fungus gnats, which reproduce in the soil and feed on the fungus, is another potential consequence of a fungal growth in the soil.

How We Chose the Best Soil for Aloe Vera

Our choice of the varieties that are most appropriate for growing aloe vera plants was based on extensive research on dozens of potting-soil mixtures. As aloe vera roots are susceptible to root rot if they sit in water for even brief periods of time, the products had to contain components that would allow water to drain quickly. In order to give the aloe plant’s roots access to the oxygen they so desperately need, they also had to contain substances that allowed for the formation of microscopic air pockets in the soil.

Some of the picks contain either sand or gravel, while some do not. These components provide stability in the soil, but they are not necessary for small aloe plants that do not need root anchoring.

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