Recognized for its great therapeutic and cosmetic virtues, aloe vera is a plant that takes care of us, and in addition is beautiful, easy to clean and not very demanding. So, why deprive yourself?
Decorative with its original and elegant foliage, aloe vera (aloe barbadensis) is a very resistant plant.
She particularly enjoys the warmth and enjoys both outdoors in the summer (or throughout the year in the southern regions) and inside your house in winter.
How to maintain an aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a succulent adapted to arid climates: it requires a good light but does not appreciate too much the direct sun which makes yellowing its leaves quickly and dry them irremediably.
The best container for an aloe vera: a clay pot, quite wide, because the roots of the aloe extend horizontally.
Where to install an aloe vera?
It will be better to be out in the summer (May to September, but do not hesitate to return in the evening if the nights are cool), however she asks to be back when the temperature reaches 5 ° C. It will then enjoy normal room temperature (between 18 and 21 ° all year round) near a window allowing maximum light to pass without subjecting it to the sun's rays.
To know
It is best to wait at least five years before starting to harvest the branches of aloe for their cosmetic and therapeutic use: the time needed for the active ingredients reach their peak!
How to water a plant aloe vera?
Like all plants, the watering of aloe is variable according to the seasons. It must be moderate, and the soil must not dry out between two waterings.
Watering in spring and summer
Regularly but moderately: about once a week, when the soil is dry on the surface, without waiting too long especially when it is very hot, so as not to make the plant suffer.
If tap water is too hard, choose some spring water or harvest rainwater for watering. Room temperature water is perfect; too cool, the difference in temperature could cause significant stress for the plant.
Watering in autumn and winter
We enter the vegetative rest period: it is better to slightly reduce watering.
Wait until the soil is dry for a few centimeters before watering again with water at room temperature.
We can resume watering in the spring when the plant will regain growth.
To cut the aloe vera
When everything is going well, from the third year in spring, some suckers will appear under the first row of leaves. These shoots are easily detachable from the mother's foot by means of a sharp knife. It is then sufficient to plant them in buckets filled with the same mixture of substrates as the mother plant.
Repot aloe vera
This operation is essential. The potting of the plant must be done every 2 to 3 years at the latest, in a slightly larger diameter pot. The best time will be in the spring, after flowering.
When repotting, opt for a pot with a slightly larger diameter, but not too big. We will also make sure that the bottom is holed.
Does aloe vera need fertilizer?
There is no point in adding fertilizer to your aloe vera. However, for a good growth, it is better to evolve it in a substrate mixing sand, ground and potting soil for houseplant.
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