Aloe Vera Care
Aloe vera is a succulent plant, and that means it can store 95% water. Aloe vera usually grows in desserts and dry climates. Therefore it is crucial for the plant to store as much water and nutrients as possible. Aloe vera care and maintenance is very easy if you have water soil (any dirt) and a pot. Let us know about aloe and its maintenance in this article.
Caring for an aloe vera plant is relatively simple and easy. The plant can go without water for weeks. So you can go for a vacation and not worry about watering the plant.
Availability of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is available is almost every nursery, thanks to its popularity. You can either buy a small potted plant or a relatively big plant and plant it in your garden.
Soil for Aloe Vera
Aloe vera flourishes in any type of soil. It does not need any specific soil types. But if you want to increase the nutrient value in the plant, here is the mixture:
Use a commercial potting mix. A little perilite and granite grit is good. If not add some coarse sand. You can also use a packaged 'cacti mix' soil. Aloe needs yearly fertilization, usually do it in springs. A bloom fertilizer is good.
Watering the Aloe Vera Plant
Aloe vera plants can store a lot of water. Therefore they should be watered only when their soil is dry. A cup of water is good enough. Aloe vera is a dessert plant, so be careful not to over water it. Under watering is okay, because of their succulent property.
Aloe vera plants usually need to be watered once a week. In winters be careful not to water too much. The plant does not absorb much water and the soil remains damp. If this is the case, wait till the soil dries up and water the plant.
In summer it is Okay if the soil soaks up. Make a drain hole in your pot. This helps in draining extra water and preventing rotting.
When to Use this Plant?
It is a common belief that only mature plants that are about 4 years old can be used to treat various illnesses. It is not so, even young plants can be used; they are as potent as the mature ones.
It is always advisable to use the leaves that are almost touching the ground. These leaves are the mature ones. And these leaves have the most nutrients.
Climate control
Aloe vera is a dessert plant. Therefore it needs more sunlight. If you live in a place with varying climate, shift the plant outdoors during summers and indoors during winters. Aloe vera contains 90% water, they freeze with extreme cold. It might need less water during winter. Pour less water only when the pot is completely dry.
In summer you can either keep in outside or keep it near a window. Too much sun turns the aloe vera plant brown. If you do not want that, keep it in less sunlight.
Aloe vera is considered a miracle herb. An aloe vera in your garden can be very helpful for a variety of reasons. But be sure to check for allergies before starting to use an aloe vera plant.
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