How Much Does an Aloe Vera Plant Cost?

Aloe vera is one of the most popular houseplants due to its easy care requirements and numerous health benefits. But before jumping into aloe vera plant care, it's important to understand the cost of these succulents.

Prices can range quite a bit based on size, age, species, and source. Read on to learn the key factors that influence aloe vera plant pricing, along with tips for getting the most for your money.

How Much Does an Aloe Vera Plant Cost?

The average price for a small aloe vera plant in a 2-3 inch pot starts around $5-10 from big box stores. Medium-sized plants in 6-inch pots run $15 (≈1 hour of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour)-25, while large, mature plants in 10-12-inch containers can cost $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour) or more. Rare aloe vera species tend to be more expensive.

Walmart lists Aloe Vera plants with prices ranging from $19.97 to $37.00 (≈2.5 hours of your workday at a $15/hour wage), depending on the size of the plant.

According to Home Depot, Aloe Vera plants are priced between $10 to $30 (≈2 hours of labor required at $15/hour), depending on the size of the plant. The website also offers a Costa Farms Aloe Vera Indoor Plant in a 4-inch grower pot for $13.97 (≈56 minutes working at a $15/hour wage).

Verdant Lyfe offers Aloe Vera plants for $16.00 (≈1.1 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour).

Flowerbx offers Aloe Vera plants starting at $70.00 (≈4.7 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour).

Size is the main driver of cost. Younger, smaller plants are the most affordable. Mature, large plants with well-established root systems command much higher prices. Potted aloe vera plants with proven medicinal properties also have premium pricing, especially pure aloe vera barbadensis miller from the Canary Islands. Home gardeners are often willing to pay more for assured health benefits.

No matter your budget, an aloe vera plant can be a simple, attractive addition to desks, windowsills, and countertops. Read on to learn all the factors that contribute to the cost of this popular succulent.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Aloe Vera Plants

Several key factors contribute to the asking price for aloe vera plants:

Size and Maturity

The most important cost driver is the size and maturity level of the plant. Younger aloe vera plants with just a few leaves pulled from larger plants, known as pups, will have lower pricing.

Smaller aloe plants in 2-4 inch nursery pots may cost $5 to $15 (≈1 hour of uninterrupted labor at $15/hour). These are easy to transport but will take time to mature and fill in.

Medium sized plants in 6 inch containers can run $15 to $30 (≈2 hours of labor required at $15/hour). A plant this size will have 5-10 mature leaves and is ready for repotting.

Larger, mature plants with 20+ full size leaves command premium pricing from $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour) to over $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job). These plants make a bold statement, but require more care in transport and heavier pots.

If you're patient and willing to nurture a plant from a small pup, you can save significantly. For instant impact, larger plants are worth the investment.

Organic vs. Non-Organic

Organically grown aloe vera plants are more sought after for their purity and lack of pesticide exposure. Expect to pay 20% or more for certified organic plants compared to conventionally grown options.

When sourcing aloe, ask questions about growing methods to ensure the plants were nurtured in a sustainable, ethical manner. This is especially important if you plan to use the aloe gel medicinally.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a rose, a sunflower, or a bonsai.

Source

Where you purchase your aloe vera will impact price. Big box stores often have smaller varieties with inconsistent availability.

• Nurseries offer more choice in terms of size, species, and sourcing. Since nurseries specialize in plants, expect to pay 15-25% more for premium selection.
• Local garden stores are an excellent option for finding robust, healthy plants and speaking to experts without nursery premiums.
• Online plant retailers can offer exotic varieties not found locally. Be prepared to pay extra for expedited shipping.

No matter where you purchase, always inspect plants closely for signs of disease, dry roots, or pests before buying.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the plant itself, prepare for these added expenses:

Pots and Planters

Aloe vera plants need porous terracotta or plastic containers to encourage drainage. Basic 6" plastic nursery pots run just a few dollars each.

For decorative appeal, glazed ceramic pots cost $10 (≈40 minutes working at a $15/hour wage)-25 depending on size and style. Cache pots to contain nursery pots start around $10 (≈40 minutes working at a $15/hour wage).

Since aloe vera can grow large root systems fast, invest in a heavy pot at least 2" wider than the plant.

Soil, Fertilizer, and Supplies

Aloe thrives in sandy, fast draining soil. A basic bag of cactus/succulent soil mix costs $5-10.

Slow release fertilizer pellets tailored for succulents are $10 (≈40 minutes working at a $15/hour wage)-15 per package, depending on organic vs. traditional.

Other supplies like propagation trays, pruning shears, and bamboo stakes average $10 (≈40 minutes working at a $15/hour wage)-20 each for basic varieties. Quality gardening tools last for years.

Ongoing Care

Aloe vera is drought resistant but still needs water, sunlight from a bright window, and occasional fertilizing. These basic needs have minimal costs compared to other houseplants.

Repotting every 2-3 years in fresh soil encourages growth. This incurs potting expenses mentioned above but helps the plant thrive.

Where to Buy Aloe Vera Plants

Finding the right source for your aloe plant ensures you get a healthy, high-quality specimen worth the investment.

Nurseries Offer Selection and Expertise

Specialty plant nurseries offer the widest selection of sizes, species, and sourcing for aloe vera plants. Their staff can provide in-depth expertise. However, plants at nurseries come at a 15-25% premium.

Garden Stores Are Great for Robust Plants

Local garden stores that carry a houseplant section provide robust aloe vera options often sourced from local greenhouses. Staff can advise on care. Avoid garden centers with wilting plants.

Big Box Stores Offer Cheap Small Plants

Home improvement and big box stores stock small aloe vera plants, often grouped with other succulents. Check plants closely for health. Selection is limited but prices are low.

Online Retailers Provide Exotic Variety

Online plant retailers offer the most choices for rare aloe species. Be prepared to pay premium shipping fees in exchange for unique selections. Always check reviews and shop with reputable sellers.

Ask for Recommendations

Talk to fellow gardeners to find out where they purchase plants. Visit local botanical gardens and ask horticulturists for advice. A personal recommendation goes a long way.

Tips for Finding Aloe Vera Plants on a Budget

With the right strategies, you can find an aloe vera plant to fit your space and budget:

• Check big box stores for periodic sales on small plants.
• Visit local garden centers like nurseries at the end of peak season for markdowns on large pots.
• Ask if you can have an offshoot from a friend’s healthy, established aloe plant for free.
• Shop late summer and fall when most plants go on sale.
• Join local plant swap groups to get aloe vera cuttings.
• Be willing to start small and nurture your aloe to maturity.

Conclusion

When it comes to "how much does an aloe vera plant cost?", there are lots of factors at play. Plant size, age, organic sourcing, and where its purchased all contribute to price along with supplies for care.

With smart shopping and plant care, aloe vera can be an affordable and worthwhile addition to your indoor gardening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sell my aloe vera plant?

There are a few great options for selling an aloe vera plant:

Local Nurseries - Many local nurseries will buy mature, healthy aloe plants, especially rare varieties, to resell. They can assess your plant's value better than most buyers.

Online Marketplaces - Selling platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor are great for finding local buyers. Price competitively and highlight the plant's age and size.

Friends and Family - If you know others who enjoy gardening, give them first dibs on purchasing your extra aloe plants. This eliminates shipping and is mutually rewarding.

Swap Meets and Plant Sales - Look for local plant swaps, garden club sales, or farmer's markets focused on greenery. These attract enthusiastic gardeners who will appreciate specialty aloe vera plants.

No matter where you sell, make sure to take quality photos and describe the plant's features. Pot the aloe in fresh soil before selling. Buyers are willing to pay more for a vigorously healthy, well-cared for plant.

How long does an aloe plant live?

There are several factors that determine an aloe plant's lifespan:

• Species - Some aloe species like Aloe vera tend to live longer, while other tender varieties have shorter lifespans of just a few years.
• Pot Size - When pot-bound or root-bound, aloe plants decline faster. Repotting in bigger containers encourages growth.
• Watering Habits - Too much or too little water shortens aloe's life. Water deeply but allow soil to dry between waterings.
• Sun Exposure - Getting bright, indirect light keeps aloe active. Too much sun burns the leaves while too little sunlight causes decline.
• Climate - Aloe thrives in warm, arid climates year-round. Cold winters or extreme heat impacts lifespan.
• Fertilization - Applying aloe-friendly fertilizer 2-3 times per year provides nutrients for plant health.
• Pruning - Removing dead leaves and offsets for propagation prevents disease and overcrowding.

With attentive care, repotting, proper sunlight, and ideal growing conditions, a potted aloe vera plant can thrive for well over a decade. For maximum longevity, grow it outdoors in appropriate climates.

Is aloe vera a rare plant?

No, aloe vera is quite common and not considered a rare plant. There are over 500 species of aloe, and aloe vera is one of the most ubiquitous:

• Aloe vera is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe, where it grows abundantly.
• It has been used medicinally for centuries and is now grown worldwide. Major producers include the USA, Mexico, India, and China.
• The plant is easy to propagate from offsets, so it spreads readily. This expands natural growth and commercial production.
• Aloe vera is a common mass-produced houseplant sold in nurseries and big box stores globally. It's affordable and accessible.

While not rare, some aloe vera varieties are harder to find, like:

• Pure Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller with proven medicinal potency.
• Collector's aloe cultivars like variegated, cresting, and spiraled varieties.
• Exotic aloe species native to Madagascar and the Arabian peninsula.

When sourced ethically and organically, aloe vera offers a trove of beneficial properties that make it feel like a rare treasure. But fortunately, these useful succulents are bountiful in nature and in the houseplant trade.