When it comes to choosing the best soil for Aloe Vera, there are a few key factors to consider. The soil should be well-draining, with spaces between the particles that are big enough to spread water to the roots when watered, which brings oxygen and nutrients there too. Aloe Vera seems to prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil, around 5.5 to 7.5 being optimal in pH scale just like most succulent plants. The right soil for Aloe Vera must have superb aeration- a heavy amount of water, but it must drain fast to prevent root rot and suffocation. Materials such as bark chips, small stones, gravel provide the soil mix with air pockets, increasing the flow of liquid. Mixing perlite into the soil can also help as they absorb water and release them slowly, helping increase drainage and aeration for the plant while still providing moisture for the plant. The right soil will give your plant adequate nutrients to survive, for example, magnesium, phosphorus, nitrogen, copper, potassium, etc.
Here are some of the best soil options for Aloe Vera:
- Earth Positive Rosy Indoor Potting Mix
- Desert Succulent Soil Blend
- A mixture of sand, perlite, pumice, and pine bark
It is important to note that regular potting soil won’t cut it in many cases for Aloe Vera plants. They require excellent drainage and potting mixes that dry out in a reasonable amount of time. Many commercial mixes on their own (without amending them) will not suffice.
