Aloe vera is a semitropical succulent plant that can grow outdoors as long as there is no possibility that freezing will occur. If the plant freezes, it will die. This is largely due to the fact that aloe vera consists of 95 percent water. Anyone can have an aloe vera plant and keep it indoors where it can get plenty of sunlight. However, the plant thrives in warm temperatures, so it should be placed outdoors in the yard once the summer arrives. The nectar from the aloe flower is likely to draw hummingbirds to your yard.

If you live in a warm climate, plant aloe vera where it can get the full impact of the sun or where the shade is minimal. The soil you plant it in should be relatively fertile and should drain easily. If you have had the plant for some time and it is mature, it will manage fairly well during a drought. However, it is best if the plant is watered on a more or less regular basis if you live in an area that does not receive a lot of rainfall.

During the hot months of the year, give the soil of the aloe vera plant a good soaking. Then give it the opportunity to dry out before you soak it again. In the winter when you bring the plant inside be aware that it will go into a type of dormancy period or hibernation. During this period of time it does not require very much moisture.

Do not give the aloe vera plant too much water in winter, or it could spell trouble for the future life of the plant. Just like in the summer months, let the plant dry out almost completely. Once it does, do not overload it with water but instead give it a cup or two of water, and let the water soak in sufficiently.

The aloe vera plant has a shallow root system that requires that it have room to spread out. When you repot the plant, choose a wide planter as opposed to a deep one. Make sure the planter has a drainage hole and purchase a commercial potting mix that has coarse sand added to it or  contains extra granite grit or perlite.

The aloe vera plant is an excellent plant to have around in the event that you cut or burn yourself!