The thick, pointed leaves make the aloe veraMore known as aloe vera, a magnificent looking plant. The combination of this with easy cultivation is what makes it very popular.
Adding it to home decor, it goes well in any room – including bathrooms, as it has a natural affinity for steam – and helps keep the space air clean – place one in your bedroom to improve air quality during sleep.
Group the species with decorative cacti and succulents – such as agave, echeveria and senecio. Although it is common to raise it as an indoor seedling, you can also leave it outdoors in warmer climates.
If your goal is to have an aloe vera, the following information will be crucial:
Some quick planting tips
Resistant and quite self-sufficient, the aloe vera is low maintenance. It stores moisture and nutrients in its leaves to get through periods of drought. To cover your needs, once a year – preferably at the start of the spring planting season – give a general fertilizer for domestic branches.
In summer, water every fortnight and accommodate in a place with plenty of sun.
Producing at home
She likes dry conditionsthen plant it with a compost for cacti or regular with perlite or sand. Make sure the pot has plenty of drain holes. pay attention to amount of water for each irrigation and drain the excess that accumulates at the bottom of the vase.
Other factors are: light – clarity is essential, place it near windows facing south or west – and the choice of containers – if it gets heavy, provide a bowl-shaped reservoir, wider than it is tall, to prevent it from tipping over.
What is the best type of light?
Avoid sun rays hitting the branch directly – as they like indirect glare. Otherwise, they will dry out too much and their leaves may turn yellow. Outdoors, avoid placing in very shaded places.
How to grow in the outdoor garden?
Try grouping the seedling with other cacti and succulents who have similar demands. Leave it outside in the summer and move it indoors in the cold season, protecting it from low temperatures.
See too
If you want to include the type in the borders of your garden, the easiest way is to plant it in a container to position it as a focal point. Potted aloe vera is also a great choice for decks and patios.
How does irrigation work?
Water the pots once every fortnight – except in winter -, allowing the soil not to become waterlogged. As already mentioned, the species copes relatively well with drought – mainly because they are succulents.
Wilted, wrinkled and even transparent leaves are signs of dehydration. Although they will recover when watered, they will not thrive if this habit is continued – this is true for too little or too much water – resulting in a yellow and life-threatening seedling.
In case of overkill, check your roots. If you notice that they are dead or mushy, possibly the cause of the wrinkled leaves, the best option is to accept the time of the plant.
Special treatment in winter?
This is the branch’s resting time. The important thing is to have little water and no food – especially in cool places, as there is a risk of rot. In outdoor gardens, as soon as the temperature drops, bring your reservoirs indoors.
Will there be flowers?
Some types have flowers and others don’t. For them to appear, the plant needs to be firm, reach maturity – which takes about four to five years – and have good light conditions. Able to bloom at any time of the year, the flowering stem emerges as a spiral arch.
How to preserve it?
Aloe vera is not susceptible to disease, but mealybugs can appear between the leaves. To remove, spray with water and wipe with a soft cloth. Be aware that the problem may be difficult to resolve, and if that doesn’t work, discard it and start over.
Don’t forget watering and lighting practices – it’s better for the soil to be a little too dry than too wet.
If the leaf tips are brown, cut them off all the way and near the base of the branch to encourage new growth – never prune the center leaves.
Aloe vera roots like to spread over the surface, as it grows stronger and needs to be replanted, move to a wider pot, offering more room for evolution.
Is it possible to propagate the species with a cutting?
When it comes to propagation, it brings good news. If your seedling is very congested, for example, it is possible to separate some of the shoots to create in a separate space. Want to know how to do this process in the best possible way?
Start by putting in a vase the “sprouts” that developed at the base of the branch. Very carefully separate the seedlings from the parents and repot them separately in pots of soil – make sure each one has some roots of its own.
Use a free-draining compost mix and water well. Then wait a few weeks before adding water again, sparingly, until they mature and look well established.
What are the health benefits?
A Aloe sap is famous for treating sunburn, eczema and insect bites., as it is full of healing properties. For best results, use it straight from the plant – the thicker the leaf, the more liquid you’ll find inside.
Want to treat a small area of sunburn? Break off a leaf or part of it and gently rub the tip split in the wound.
If you need to tackle a larger area, break off a larger leaf and drain the sap into a bowl before applying it. Because it is beneficial for intestinal health, in case of leftovers, add it to a drink – such as a smoothie.
*Via Gardening Etc