Aloe plants have long been popular houseplants due to their stunning succulent stems, symbolic value, and easy-to-care-for habit. If you have one of these plants in your home, one of the critical parts of properly caring for them is supplying the proper temperature and humidity. Like many houseplants, aloe plants like warm temperatures. But unlike many houseplants, aloe vera thrives in dry air. Read on to learn more about the ideal temperature and humidity ranges for Aloe plants in the home.
- Aloe Plant Temperature and Humidity Tolerances – The Essentials
- Temperature and Humidity in Aloe Plants’ Native Habitats
- Signs Your Aloe Plant is Exposed to the Wrong Temperature and Humidity
- Ideal Temperature and Humidity Considerations for Aloe Plants
- How to Lower Humidity in Your Home
- Caring for Aloe Plants Throughout the Seasons
- Aloe Plant Temperature and Humidity Tolerances FAQs:
- Wrapping Up
Aloe Plant Temperature and Humidity Tolerances – The Essentials
Aloe plants prefer warm temperatures, between 65-85ºF. They can tolerate temperatures outside this range but may struggle if exposed to long periods below 50ºF. Aloe plants prefer low humidity, in the range of 20-30%.
Temperature and Humidity in Aloe Plants’ Native Habitats
Aloe plants are native to dry areas in Africa and are adapted to survive in hot, dry climates with low humidity. In their native habitats, temperatures can range from very hot during the day (above 100ºF) to quite cool at night (below 50ºF).
The humidity is usually low in their native habitats, with average humidity ranging from 10-30%.
Fortunately, it is quite easy to mimic these conditions indoors.
Signs Your Aloe Plant is Exposed to the Wrong Temperature and Humidity
Numerous signs may indicate that your aloe plant is exposed to the wrong temperature and/or humidity. Keep an eye out for the following, and double-check your temperature and humidity if you spot any of these signs.
Yellow or Brown Leaves
Many factors (such as common aloe pests and diseases or inappropriate light conditions) can lead to aloe leaves turning yellow or brown (or prominent brown spots on the leaves and even the entire plant drooping), including improper temperature and/or humidity.
Extended periods of low temperatures (below 50ºF) or brief yet sudden exposures to cold (below 40ºF) can cause an aloe plant to become stressed. This stress may present as discolored plant leaves.
High humidity can also cause an aloe plant to become stressed. High air moisture increases the likelihood aloe will develop fungal issues, which can lead to yellow and/or brown leaves.
Crispy Leaf Edges
If you notice the edges of your aloe leaves have turned from plump and green to crispy and brown (and may also start curling), the temperature may be too high. Ensure the temperature does not exceed 90ºF, and keep plants away from hot drafts. It’s also prudent to check the moisture level in your aloe soil.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity Considerations for Aloe Plants
If you want to keep your aloe plant happy and healthy, keep these temperature and humidity considerations in mind.
Ideal Temperature for Aloe Plants
Aloe plants can tolerate a relatively wide temperature range, but they prefer temperatures between 65-85ºF.
They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50ºF, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50ºF can be harmful. Additionally, even short exposures to below-freezing temperatures (below 32ºF) can cause severe damage or even death.
As far as high temperatures go, aloe plants can withstand temperatures as high as 100ºF. However, sudden exposure to high temperatures can stress the plant and create issues.
Ideal Humidity for Aloe Plants
Since aloe plants are native to arid regions, they prefer dry air. That means they prefer low humidity, between 20-30%.
While aloe plants will likely do just fine in average household humidity of 30-50%. However, these plants may suffer if the humidity is above 50%.
How to Monitor Temperature and Humidity
If you’re unsure if your temperature and humidity are at the proper ranges for your aloe plants, you can measure both factors.
A simple thermometer can be used to measure the temperature, and a hygrometer can be used to measure humidity. However, if the temperature and humidity feel comfortable to you, they are likely fine for your aloe plant.
Keep Note of Drafts and Changing Conditions
Along with providing your aloe plants with the proper temperature and humidity, you’ll also want to avoid sudden environmental changes.
Avoid placing your aloe plants near drafty areas such as near exterior doors, air conditioning vents, and furnaces. These areas can create sudden changes in temperature, which can stress your aloe plant.
You should also be careful when moving your aloe plant from one area to the next. This is especially true if you’ll be moving your plant from the indoors to outdoors, or vice versa.
When it comes time to move your plant, ensure the two areas have similar temperatures and humidity levels to avoid stress.
How to Lower Humidity in Your Home
While many houseplants like high humidity, aloe plants do not. That means you’ll be looking for ways to lower, rather than raise, the humidity.
Generally, household humidity falls between 30-50%, which is fine for aloe plants. However, the humidity may be above this range if you live in a humid climate and don’t heat or cool your home.
If the humidity is above 50%, your aloe plants may suffer. The best way to lower humidity is with a dehumidifier. You can typically set your humidifier so it lowers the humidity to a set amount.
Not only will the humidifier lower the humidity to an optimal range, but it will also provide you with water you can use to water your aloe plants.
Caring for Aloe Plants Throughout the Seasons
During the spring and summer, the humidity may be higher than in the winter. Keep an eye on the moisture in the air, and implement a dehumidifier if necessary.
Make sure to keep your aloe plants away from air conditioning vents. The cool weather released from these vents can damage your aloe plants.
When winter arrives, the indoor humidity typically drops due to the use of heating devices. This low humidity is typically ideal for aloe plants, but it may not be great for other houseplants.
As far as temperature goes, keep your aloe plants away from heating vents, fireplaces, and furnaces. Although these plants like warm temperatures, they will not thrive in direct heat or swings in temperature.
Aloe Plant Temperature and Humidity Tolerances FAQs:
What Temperature is Too Cold for Aloe Plants?
Aloe plants can survive temperatures as low as 50ºF as long as any temperature decreases are gradual. These plants may struggle in temperatures below 50ºF and will die at 32ºF.
What Temperature is Too Hot for Aloe Plants?
Aloe plants can withstand temperatures as high as 100ºF. Sudden increases in temperatures may harm the plants, and temperatures above 110ºF may be harmful.
Are Aloe Plants Heat Sensitive?
No, aloe plants are not particularly sensitive to heat. They can handle high temperatures as long as they are acclimated adequately to any changes in temperature.
Can I Leave My Aloe Plant Outside?
You can leave your aloe plant outside as long as environmental conditions are suitable. You should bring your plant inside if the temperature is expected to dip below 50ºF or if the humidity is very high.
How Do I Know if My Aloe Plant is Healthy?
If your aloe plant’s leaves are plump and vibrant green, your plant is likely healthy. Continual growth also indicates a healthy aloe plant.
Wrapping Up
In order to keep your aloe plants happy, aim to keep the temperatures warm and the humidity low. Supplying these conditions will allow your aloe plant to thrive. For more, see our in-depth guide on how to grow and care for Aloe plants at home.
Briana holds a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Penn State University. She manages a small market garden where she grows vegetables and herbs. She also enjoys growing flowers and houseplants at home.
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