Aloe vera

Aloe vera (Liliaceae)

Cats and dogs

Toxic to cats and dogs

Cats: toxic Dogs: toxic

What makes it toxic: Saponins, anthraquinones.

Signs to watch for: Vomiting (not horses), lethargy, diarrhea. The gel is considered edible.

Source: ASPCA entry "Aloe", checked October 3, 2026.

Light

Low light 3+ mol
Medium light 6+ mol
Bright indirect 10+ mol Copes
Direct sun 12+ mol Best

NC State recommends full sun to partial shade for this succulent houseplant. UF/IFAS warns that it can sunburn if moved from low light into bright sun too quickly.

Direct sun: needs several hours a day.

On our scale it grows well from about 12 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 2.2 (how these numbers are set).

Will it grow in my window?

Care

Care level: Easy. Water: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings and water less in winter; never let the pot sit in water.

Indoor plants rarely bloom.

Pet-safe plants for similar light

Burro's tail direct sun
Echeveria (hens and chickens) direct sun
Ponytail palm direct sun
Venus flytrap direct sun
Areca palm bright indirect light
Basil direct sun

Sources

Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Aloe"
Light and care: NC State Extension, "Aloe vera"
Light and care: UF/IFAS Extension Gardening Solutions, "Aloe Vera"