The aloe vera plant is a simple and appealing succulent that makes an excellent indoor plant. This spiky, beautiful, and all-over green aloe vera plant is a succulent houseplant that is both attractive and useful.
Aloe vera plants are also beneficial because the juice extracted from their leaves can be applied topically to treat pain from cuts and burns. When applied directly to minor burns, the gel inside serves as a typical sunburn soother, reducing redness.
Although aloe vera plant looks like a cactus, it is actually succulent and belongs to the Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family. The plant has thick, greenish, fleshy leaves that outspread from its primary stem, and the leaf’s edge is serrated with tiny teeth.
How to Grow Aloe Vera Plants
Many home gardeners prefer aloe because of its resilience and tolerance for infrequent watering. Choosing the right type of container is crucial before you start planting.
A terra-cotta or similarly porous pot is ideal, as this will enable the soil to dry properly between waterings and keep the plant from tipping over. You can also use a plastic or glazed pot, though these can hold more moisture.
The container used for the Aloe Vera plant should have at least one drainage hole in the bottom to allow any extra water to drain. Although aloe vera plants are hardy, a lack of proper drainage can lead to rot and wilting, which is the most common cause of death for this plant.
The container should have approximately the same width as its depth. Gardening soil is not to be used. Perlite, lava rock, bark pieces, or all three should be included in an excellent combination.
To help the plant to put out new roots after planting, you can dust the stem of the aloe plant with a rooting hormone powder, which can be found at your local garden center or store.
Propagation of Aloe Vera
It’s possible to propagate aloe vera from seed, but it’s quicker to remove and pot offsets that appear at the base of the plant. Break off each offset, ensuring each one has some roots attached, then replant them separately.
Potting and Repotting of Aloe Vera
The root system of Aloe Vera is shallow, and it prefers to extend out near to the surface. Switch to a broader pot than a deeper pot as the plant grows and needs repotting.
Growing Aloe Vera Indoors
If you’re growing Aloe Vera indoors, ensure it’s in a bright, sunny spot. Otherwise, it will become dormant and stop growing. Water the plant heavily every two weeks or when the soil becomes completely dry.
Because this is a desert plant, moistening the soil will cause the roots to rot. Limp or brown leaves are another indicator that you’ve gone too far with the H20.
You can bring your potted plant outside for the summer if you want, but don’t put it in bright sunlight straight soon. To avoid overexposure, gradually move it to a brighter location every few days.
Growing Aloe Vera Outdoors
You can grow aloe outside all year if you live in a warm region. On the other hand, freezing temperatures will damage the leaves and roots, and no sprouts will form.
Look for a well-drained bed while choosing a location. Except for droughts, you won’t need to water your aloe. If it hasn’t rained in months, give the soil a good soak before allowing it to dry out.
How to Care for Aloe Vera Plants
The first step in caring for aloe vera plants is to recognize that they are succulents. Succulents, like cacti, thrive in arid environments. Here are a few essential points that will help you take care of Aloe Vera plants.
Light:
One of the most crucial aspects of caring for aloe vera plants is to ensure adequate light. Aloe vera plants require a lot of indirect light and therefore perform best in windows facing the south or west. But make sure that they don’t receive direct sunlight as this can cause burn. Low-light aloes are prone to becoming leggy.
Temperature
Temperatures of 55 to 80°F (13 to 27°C) are ideal for aloe vera. Most houses and apartments have comfortable temperatures. You can leave your plant outside from May to September but bring it back inside if the nights are cold.
Suitable Soil
Aloe Vera plants require well-draining soil. You can buy a particular cactus potting soil or prepare your own mix using some perlite or construction sand to ensure drainage in a pot.
Humidity
These plants thrive best in a dry environment with no additional humidity. Place them in low humidity areas and avoid putting them in the bathroom or kitchen where dampness is more.
Fertilizer
Aloe vera plants do not require a lot of fertilizer in the soil. Give your aloe a diluted liquid fertilizer in the spring, it should be sufficient for the whole year.
Watering Aloe Vera
The most challenging aspect of keeping aloe vera alive is watering it. Aloe can withstand drought, although it prefers to be watered on a regular basis and for the soil to dry completely between waterings.
The leaves will fade and pucker if the plant is kept too dry for too long. When hydrated, they will recover, but continuous stress, whether from dryness or excess water, will lead the leaves to yellow and die.
Although aloe vera is a succulent plant that thrives in arid conditions, its thick leaves still require adequate water. As a result, aloe vera plants should be watered deeply but infrequently.
How to Control Diseases/Pests
Mealybugs and scales are the two most common pests that attack aloe vera plants. Root rot, soft rot, fungal stem rot, leaf rot, and other diseases are frequent.
After spraying water, wipe off mealybugs using a soft cloth. Make a solution of 1 tablespoon insecticidal soap, 1 cup isopropyl alcohol, and 1 cup water for scales, and spray it on scales every three days for 14 days.
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