There's no set number of days to grow aloe vera from pup to full size since it depends on your conditions. Aloe has a medium growth rate and takes about three to four years to reach its mature size of 1-2 feet (30-61 cm) tall. You won't see fast changes day to day, but over months the progress adds up in a big way.
I tracked one pup from the day I separated it from the mother plant to see the aloe vera growth rate up close. The first six months felt painfully slow. The tiny pup barely seemed to change at all during that stretch. But in the second year, things picked up fast. New leaves started coming in every few weeks and the plant doubled in size between spring and fall. By year three it looked like a proper mature aloe with thick full leaves all around.
How fast does aloe vera grow depends a lot on the season and your setup. During spring and summer your aloe puts out the most new growth because warmth and long days fuel its engine. Keep your plant between 55-80°F (13-27°C) for the best results. Bright direct light speeds things up a lot too. A south-facing window gives your aloe the energy it needs to grow at its best pace. In winter your plant goes dormant and growth slows to almost nothing. This rest period is normal and not a sign that something is wrong.
NC State Extension rates aloe vera as a medium growth plant. At full size your aloe should reach 1-2 feet (30-61 cm) tall and 1-2.5 feet (30-76 cm) wide. Flowers only show up on plants that are three years or older, and even then your aloe needs the right conditions to bloom. Most indoor aloe plants won't flower, but outdoor ones in warm climates have a much better shot at it.
The full aloe vera maturity timeline from pup to flowering-age plant runs about three to four years with good care. You separate pups when they reach 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) tall. New roots form in the soil within 2-4 weeks after you plant the pup. You'll spot the first new leaves in 1-2 months. The plant starts making its own baby pups after about 1-2 years. Full size hits around year three or four.
If your aloe seems stuck, check the light first since that's the number one growth limiter indoors. A plant in a dim corner will grow at half the speed of one in a sunny window. I moved a slow grower from my desk to a south-facing sill and it put out three new leaves in the next month alone. Good soil drainage and the right pot size also help your aloe grow faster. A pot that's too large holds extra moisture that slows root growth down.
Be patient with your aloe because the slow start is normal. The payoff comes in year two when growth kicks into gear and your plant starts looking full and strong. Give it sun, warmth, and well-draining soil and time will do the rest. In my experience, the plants that get the most light always reach full size first. I've grown about a dozen aloe plants from pups over the years and every single fast grower sat in a bright sunny window from day one.
Read the full article: Aloe Plant Care and Growing Guide
