From houseplant to home-grown skincare, aloe vera is a rewarding plant to grow.
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Most of us are familiar with aloe vera.
It takes three to four years to reach maturity.
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These traits make aloe vera plants well adapted to growing in dry conditionsincluding life indoors.
Aloe vera grows naturally in hot, dry locations, which helps guide plant care.
Indoors, rotate plants periodically to promote even growth on all sides of the plant.
If using a standard mix, add equal parts sand and potting soil.
Avoid potting mixes that contain fertilizer.
Outdoors, plants tolerate poor soil and require good drainage.
Water
Aloe is quite drought tolerant.
Water plants sparingly, allowing the upper one to two inches of soil to dry completely between waterings.
verify containers have adequate drainage, and do not let plants sit in trays of water.
Plants brought outdoors should be placed in a location sheltered from excess rain.
Reducewater during the winter monthswhen plants are less active.
Temperature And Humidity
Aloe vera is adapted to desert-like conditions, where day and night temperatures differ.
Look for a location indoors that provides these fluctuations, such as a windowsill.
Aloe grows quite well outdoors in humid locations but does not require any specialhumidity controlindoors.
Fertilizer
Aloe plants do not require a lot of added fertilizer.
Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer mixed at half strength once per month during the growing season (spring-summer).
Plants need no more than three applications per year.
Types Of Aloe Vera
The genusAloecontains over 400 species.
If you want to use the aloe plant to harvest gel, stick with the speciesAloe vera.
Gardeners in warm climates might wish to add one or more ornamental aloe species or hybrids to the garden.
Many varieties are also well suited to container life.
Many aloe species perform beautifully in containers, indoors and out (during the summer).
These require lean soil with excellent drainage.
Remove any old outer leaves to help the plant maintain its shape and keep it from growing too large.
you could also use clean pruning shears to snip away any brown tips.
Squeeze the gel into a small container or lay the leaf gel-side down directly on your burn.
These small plants can be divided from the mother plant and repotted to produce a new plant.
Starting a plant from pups is easier.
The soil and container you choose plays a big role in the health of your aloe vera plant.
Though aloe vera tolerates crowded roots, eventually you will want toupgrade their container.
Check the roots periodically, looking for crowding.
If there is more root than soil, you oughta repot.
Plants that have grown leggy may also need an upgrade (or more light).
Overwintering
In areas with cold winters, aloe vera needs tooverwinter indoorswhen the temperature drops.
It will not tolerate cold.
Cover them if frost is expected.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Aloe vera is a hardy plant and not prone to many problems.
The most common challenge is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
This is easily avoided by using a well-draining potting medium and watering less frequently.
Mealybugs are the most common insect pest.
They look like wooly masses and often bury themselves in the crown of the plant.
you could also use your fingernail to dislodge insects and discard them.
If problems persist, you may need to apply an insecticide.
Examine plants regularly for signs of stress, insects, or disease symptoms.
It is easier to treat plant problems when you catch them early.
The first step to getting your aloe vera plants to bloom is patience.
To encourage blooms, begin by removing pups from the container.
This helps the mother plant focus all its energy on flowering.
Avoid fertilizers with high phosphorous levels, which includes many labeled for blooming.
Feed once per month as described above.
Aloe vera needs warm temperatures and plenty of light to bloom.
Bring plants outdoors to provide extra sunlight.
Here’s how to tell if it’s crucial that you adjust your plant’s care.
Mushy Leaves
Overwatering is a common problem that can lead to root rot or mushy leaves.
Wet soil can cause bacteria and decay.
Let the top two inches of soil dry out between waterings to prevent this.
Browning Leaves
This discoloration can be a sign of temperatures that are too cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
These perennial plants live about 12 years with the right care and growing conditions.
Pale or brown leaves are a sign your aloe vera plant is getting too much sun.
Excessive direct sun can burn the leaves.
Move the plant to an area where it will get bright, indirect light or shade from afternoon sun.
If the leaves are drooping or limp, the plant needs more sunlight.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Aloe vera.
North Carolina State University.Aloe vera.
