From a plant's perspective, the ideal temperature range for growing Aloe Vera indoors is between 55°F and 80°F (13°C and 27°C). This range is not arbitrary; it is the thermal sweet spot where the plant's metabolic processes, primarily photosynthesis and respiration, function at their most efficient. Within this bracket, the enzymes responsible for converting light, water, and carbon dioxide into energy (photosynthesis) operate optimally, fueling growth and the production of the beneficial gel within the leaves. Simultaneously, the rate of respiration, which consumes energy, remains balanced, allowing for net growth and robust health. Straying significantly outside this range forces the plant to expend extra energy on survival rather than thriving.
A crucial aspect often overlooked is the need for a natural temperature fluctuation, specifically a drop at night. Aloe Vera, like many succulents, utilizes a form of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). To conserve water in its native arid environments, the plant opens its stomata (pores) at night to take in carbon dioxide, which is stored as an acid. During the day, with the stomata closed to prevent water loss, it uses the sunlight to convert that stored CO2 into energy. This process is significantly enhanced by cooler nighttime temperatures, ideally around 10-15°F (5-8°C) cooler than the daytime high. A consistent, flat temperature line denies the plant this natural cycle, potentially leading to weaker growth over time.
Understanding the plant's physical reaction to incorrect temperatures is key. When exposed to prolonged periods above 85°F (29°C), the plant enters a state of heat stress. Its rate of transpiration (water loss through leaves) skyrockets. Despite being a succulent, it can dehydrate rapidly, causing leaves to become thin, curl inward, and turn a reddish-brown color as a stress response. The plant may also etiolate, or grow abnormally tall and leggy, as it struggles. Conversely, temperatures below 50°F (10°C) are dangerously cold. The water stored within its juicy leaves is highly susceptible to freezing. When this intracellular water freezes, it forms ice crystals that rupture the cell walls, causing irreversible damage. This manifests as soft, mushy, and discolored (often dark brown or black) leaves, a condition that is frequently fatal if not addressed immediately.
Aloe Vera has a growth cycle that responds to seasonal light and temperature changes. During the spring and summer, the plant is in its active growth phase and thrives in the warmer end of its ideal range. As daylight hours shorten in fall and winter, the plant enters a period of dormancy, a rest state where growth nearly halts. During this dormancy, slightly cooler temperatures between 55°F and 65°F (13°C and 18°C) are actually beneficial. This cooler period allows the plant to conserve energy and prepares it for vigorous growth when warmer temperatures return. It is imperative to significantly reduce watering during this cool dormancy, as the plant's water requirements are minimal and cold, wet soil will lead to root rot.
