Flowering Details: Do Aloe Vera Plants Bloom Indoors?
Aloe vera plants are known to form rosettes that make them look beautiful. They are among the easiest succulents to grow, making them popular indoor plants. Aloe can tolerate a bit of neglect and harsh arid conditions. So, do aloe vera plants bloom?
The short answer is yes. Aloe plants are known to produce flowers. The exact time and bloom colors can vary depending on the aloe variety. The common aloe vera blooms in late spring or early summer with clusters of orange or red tubular flowers on a tall stalk.
However, it’s less common for aloe plants to bloom indoors. For your aloe plant to flower, it needs to be mature enough. Other conditions include bright indirect sunlight, a warm temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C), and regular watering.

What do Aloe vera blooms look like?
Aloe flowers are generally bright colored, tubular, and arranged on a tall stalk that can reach up to 1 meter in height. The flowers’ size can vary but range from about 2-3 centimeters long. These flowers can have a very mild or no scent and typically last 1-2 weeks.
Aloe flowers are primarily pollinated by insects and birds. These pollinators are attracted to their vibrant colors. With a successful fertilization, the flower will start to wither and a seed pod will begin to form. Once seeds mature, the pod will turn brown and dry, ready for harvest.
While you can use the seed for growing new plants, their germination is always not guaranteed. The most common way of propagating aloe vera plants is through cuttings or offsets.
So, once the aloe vera flowers wither, it’s best to cut off the flower stalk for the plant to direct its energy into producing new growth rather than focusing on forming seeds. Make your cut exactly where the stalk meets the base of the plant using a clean sharp knife.

How to get your aloe plant to bloom indoors
As I said, it’s less common for aloe vera plants to bloom when grown indoors as a potted houseplant. To get them to bloom, it’s important to provide ideal conditions that mimic their natural habitats. Aloe thrives in relatively hot, dry, and sunny environments.
Generally, it takes about 3-4 years for aloe vera to be manure enough and start blooming. If you have waited unsuccessfully, here are a few tips for getting your aloe vera to bloom indoors.
Use well-draining soil
The priority is to grow your aloe vera in a well-draining, sandy soil. This type of soil allows excess water to drain away quickly, which helps to prevent root rot. Excess water in the soil stops air circulation around the roots which makes them suffocate and die.
Consciously damp soil also encourages fungi that cause root rot. So, your best bet is to purchase a premade cactus and succulent potting mix. You can also make your own by mixing equal parts of regular potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite.
If you are growing your aloe as a houseplant, make sure to use a pot with drainage holes at the bottom. This is to prevent water from overstaying around the roots. I always use clay or terracotta pots as they also allow moisture out through their porous walls.
Provide bright indirect light
Aloe vera is a sun-loving plant. To get it to bloom, make sure it gets at least six to eight hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day. A south-facing window is usually the best spot but avoid intensive afternoon sunlight as it can cause sunburn.
Aloe vera plant growing tall and thin or its leaves turning yellow is commonly a sign of insufficient sunlight. Besides not flowering, such plants may easily wilt and die. So, in places without enough sunlight, consider adding artificial grow lights to supplement the natural light.
Water regularly without overwatering
Aloe vera is a drought-tolerant plant that survives in arid conditions. Its succulent leaves can store water for an extended period, enabling the plant to go several weeks without watering. While regular watering is recommended, it’s important not to overwater.
Too much water in the soil can cause root rot and other fungal problems. This can stress the plant resulting in poor growth. So, water your aloe vera plant less often. The rule of thumb is to allow the soil to dry out between your waterings.
I always advise that you insert your finger in the soil to test the moisture level before giving your succulents a sip of water. If the soil feels dry to the touch, water your plant. If not, give a few more days for the soil to dry out.
Keep temperatures consistently warm
Aloe vera is hardy in USDA zone 8 to 12. This means, in cooler climates, you can grow aloe vera outdoors but you should bring it indoors before winter frost. To encourage your Aloe vera plant to bloom keep temperature warm between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Fertilize during the growing season
Aloe vera fertilizer needs are generally very low. It’s a plant that can thrive in poor soils. However, a little boost during the growing season can promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilize in early spring then hold off until midsummer for the second dose.
Make sure to use a well-balanced or slightly higher phosphorus fertilizer. Dilute and apply the fertilizer as directed. Overfertilizing or using a fertilizer with high nitrogen content can delay flowering.
Final thought
Aloe vera is both an ornamental and medicinal plant. As a houseplant, gardeners love it because of its low maintenance and more importantly its beautiful characteristics including the leaves and rosettes. Under the right care, this succulent also rewards with beautiful blooms in the season.

My name is Diane M Lewik, and I am the founder of this website. I am a degree holder in plant biology from the University of California – Berkeley. Over the years, I have cultivated a vast collection of succulents and I have learned a great deal about how to grow and care for these unique plants. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.