Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of avoiding water on the rosette centre to prevent rot in the early stages and paid for it. etiolation from insufficient light also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a vertical living wall frame which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. extremely low maintenance between waterings is visible but muted. vivid stress colouring in full summer sun gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.