We all know the great benefits of aloe vera. It is a medicinal plant that has incredible properties. It is very easy to grow aloe vera at home
We should all grow aloe vera at home because it requires little maintenance and water. It can therefore grow perfectly indoors.
Would you like to discover how to grow aloe vera at home? So read our article!
1 – THE IDEAL SOIL FOR GROWING ALOE VERA
To cultivate the aloe vera plant it is advisable to use slightly acidic and well-drained soil mixtures, to avoid water stagnation and promote drainage. It is essential to place a layer of expanded clay – or gravel – of two to three centimeters on the bottom of the pot that you will use for cultivation then add a thick layer of slightly acidic soil. Having a drainage layer at the bottom of the container will help drainage and prevent roots from rotting.
2 – GROW ALOE VERA YOURSELF
To plant Aloe vera at home, you need:
- A clay or terracotta flower pot, pierced at the bottom and preferably wide enough
- Well-drained soil (you can use special cactus potting soil or make a homemade mixture of soil, sand and gravel)
- Clay balls
- An aloe vera cutting to grow
Instructions
- Start by placing clay balls at the bottom of the pot, which will serve as a drainage system so that the plant does not rot.
- Place the potting soil in the pot, without filling it all the way to the top.
- Place the chosen aloe vera plant in the center of the pot, then add potting soil until the beginning of the leaves are covered.
- Add clay balls to the surface for more effective drainage.
It is possible to add drainage felt to separate the clay balls from the potting soil at the bottom of the pot.
3 – SUNSHINE REQUIREMENTS
Aloe vera can withstand heat and direct sun, although it can get sunburned in the hottest hours. Sunburned aloe vera plants turn red and even brown. Although aloe is known to love the sun, we have found that our plants also grow very well in almost total shade! That said, I suggest planting the aloe (or keeping your pots) in a location that receives bright ambient light and sun from morning to midday, but some afternoon shade if you are in a region where the summer heat is intense.
Indoors, provide potted aloe vera plants with bright ambient light. They don’t necessarily need to be on a windowsill in full sun, but they won’t be happy in a dark corner.
4 – WATERING ALOÉ VERA
Watering Aloe Vera in spring/summer
Water intake should be regular but moderate. The plant should be watered once a week or every two weeks when the soil is dry on the surface. When in doubt, it is better for your Aloe to suffer from drought rather than overwatering. However, it is important to water it, at least every 2 weeks, especially when it is hot, otherwise the plant could die.
If you live in a region with hard water, we advise you to water it with spring water or collect rainwater.
Finally, to avoid any stress on your plant, avoid temperature shocks and favor water at room temperature rather than too cool.
Watering Aloe Vera in fall/winter
During this period, reduce watering slightly. We advise you to wait until the substrate is dry for a few centimeters before watering your plant with water at room temperature. In general, we recommend watering once a month.
5 – HARVEST THE LEAVES OF THE ALOE VERA PLANT
To harvest leaves from the aloe vera plant, start by selecting mature leaves from the outermost part of the plant. Cut them as close to the base as possible and don’t disturb the roots when cutting the leaves.
The aloe vera plant produces seedlings or babies that can easily be removed by uprooting them. Detach from the parent plant and replant to produce another mature aloe vera. These mini plants are considered great gifts, so planting them will help you have lots of aloe before you know it.