Aloe plants are frequently grown indoors in soil-filled pots or outdoors in warm areas. But have you ever thought about growing these plants in water? Join us as we explore whether or not you can grow aloe plants in water.
Can Aloe Plants Grow in Water?
Yes, aloe plants can grow in water. However, they will require special care if you wish to grow them in water over an extended period of time.
Since aloe plants like their soil on the drier side, growing them in water may make them more susceptible to bacterial and fungal diseases. Therefore, we recommend growing aloe plants in potting soil rather than water.
How to Grow Aloe Plants in Water
If you’d still like to grow aloe plants in water, keep a few things in mind.
First, you’ll want to ensure you start with a clean jar. Running your container through the dishwasher or washing it with hot and soapy water is a good way to ensure the container is clean.
Next, ensure you are using water free from contaminants or high amounts of minerals. Tap water is generally okay to use, but you can use distilled water or rainwater if you’d like to be extra cautious.
When it’s time to place your aloe plant in water, you’ll want to make sure only the very bottom of the plant is submerged. The roots should be in the water, but the majority of the leaf should not be.
Place the plant in an area that receives bright yet indirect sun for at least six hours daily. You should also place the plant in a room with an air temperature that is between 65-85ºF.
Monitor the water in the container to check both the water level and quality. If the roots are no longer submerged, add more water. And if the water becomes cloudy or discolored, replace the water.
It’s also a good practice to replace the water about every two weeks. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause plant diseases.
How to Propagate Aloe Vera Plants in Water
If you’d like to propagate a new aloe plant from an existing plant, you have multiple methods to choose from. One potential method is propagating the plants in water.
To do so, follow these steps.
- Start with a healthy aloe plant. You can propagate via a healthy leaf or an aloe plant offset, also known as a pup.
- Use a sharp and sanitized knife to cut the leaf or pup off the plant close to the base. Allow the leaf/pup to sit out for a few hours or overnight to allow the wound to heal over and prevent rot.
- Fill a clean glass container with filtered or distilled water. Place the cutting in the container, ensuring the cut end is submerged.
- Place the container in a sunny location but out of direct sunlight. Aloe plants like bright, indirect light.
- Change the water every 2–3 days (or when it becomes cloudy) to prevent bacteria or mold from growing.
- Keep an eye on the leaf to make sure it is not rotting. If it turns brown or slimy (or there are brown spots on the leaves), remove it from the water and discard it.
- After about two weeks, roots will start to form. At this point, you can continue growing the plant in water or move it to a soil-filled container.
Enjoy Your Aloe Plants
Whether you’re looking to propagate new aloe plants or grow a large plant at home, you can grow aloe plants in water. However, you should keep an eye out for rotten tissue and the development of disease. With a little care, your aloe plants will thrive for years to come.
For more, see our in-depth guide on growing aloe plants at home and our essential guide to splitting and transplanting aloe plants.
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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