People have been cultivating aloe vera plants or Aloe barbadensis for thousands of years. It is one of the most well-known and popular houseplants and one of the most extensively utilised medical herbs worldwide.
This succulent, endemic to Africa, belongs to the genus aloe, which contains more than 180 species. The botanical name for the well-known aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis. Aloe barbadensis plant is most frequently used in cosmetic and medicinal products.
The plant has gorgeous, thick leaves that are arranged in a rosette. Aloe vera is usually grown indoors, but it can also be grown outdoors in warmer climates. See how to plant it hassle-free and effortlessly.
Where Can Aloe Vera Be Grown?
Aloe is often planted indoors but can withstand certain outdoor climates. Its natural habitat is in Africa's arid tropical areas. It must be grown indoors in colder climates because it is not very resilient to freezing temperatures. Aloe can withstand brief temperatures as low as 26 degrees Fahrenheit (-3 C) but cannot withstand prolonged frost.
Aloe vera needs at least six hours of direct sunshine daily in a sunny spot. The leaves' protective outer layer can tolerate intense sun radiation without scorching. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere and cultivate aloe inside, place it in a window facing the south or west to ensure it gets lots of sunlight. For the summer, container houseplants can be taken outside. Plants in the ground should be placed in full sun and well-draining soil.
Plants cultivated in containers are highly tolerant of crowding. The plant will remain small if it is housed in a small pot. Repotting it into bigger pots will allow it to reach its full potential growth over time. The aloe plant requires full sunlight regardless of where it is cultivated.
Plants in partial shade won't necessarily die but won't grow well. The leaves will sag and become floppy, they won't bloom, and the colour will deteriorate. Excessive moisture from shade conditions may also promote root rot, destroying the plant.
Aloe Houseplant Maintenance
Aloe vera has little watering needs. Before watering the aloe vera plant, the soil needs to be allowed to dry fully. The soil should be completely saturated when watering the aloe plant, but the water should be allowed to flow away from the plant. Overwatering, whether by overwatering or inadequate drainage, is the most prevalent cause of death for houseplant aloes.
Fertilisation is usually not necessary for aloes. Feed your aloe once a year in the spring if feeding is something you truly want to do. A water-based fertiliser with a high phosphorus content can be used at half-strength.
Propagating Aloe Effortlessly
Propagating aloe vera is simple because the plant will naturally generate pups, which are little offshoots from the stem that may be pulled off and grown into new plants. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the pup off the main plant. Move the pup into a fresh pot after allowing the cut to heal for approximately a week in an area with good air circulation to help avoid disease and decay. In roughly a month, it ought to start producing new roots.
Repotting An Aloe Vera Plant: Tips
Aloe is a succulent plant with little roots, so it doesn't require frequent replanting. You can avoid withering and stunted leaf growth by upsizing the plant.
- Pick a pot that drains properly and is substantial enough to hold your succulent.
- Give the plant water 24 hours before you start. You can skip this step if the aloe appears overwatered, as seen by wilting leaves.
- Take the aloe plant out of its pot gently. Cut the roots cautiously if they become tangled.
- Fill the new pot with a high-quality potting mix and plant the specimen.
- You don't want to add too much soil because the roots require air space after repotting and water immediately.