Growing Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one magical plant. There is probably no one who does not know the benefits of aloe vera. Somewhere or the other aloe vera has been used by everyone. Not only is it beneficial for beauty treatment, it also helps in curing half the diseases in everyday life. It is one plant that must be in every person's home.

Aloe vera is generally found in Africa and other tropical regions. However, it can be traced around the world according to the climate. There are 250 species with various sizes and properties. The most common aloe vera plant is the aloe barbadensis. It is the one that people plant in their homes for various usages. However, growing an aloe vera plant needs some specific directions and care. You need to take care of many things like environment, weather conditions, etc. to plant and grow the aloe vera. Read further to understand the basics of growing an aloe vera plant.

Buying Tips for Growing Aloe Vera:

You can get a small aloe vera plant at any garden supplies shop or plant nursery. Try to buy a large, mature plant if possible. This will enable you to start reaping its benefits immediately. If you have to buy a small plant, let it grow first. A young aloe vera plant is potent for first-aid treatments, but mature aloe vera plants are stronger and offer more potency.

Climatic Environment for Growing Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera contains 95% water and thus they cannot be cultivated in cold regions. That's why they are found mainly in tropical and sub-tropical regions where there is a lot of sunlight. Aloe vera grows well in hot climate. Hot climate will ensure that the plant will flourish and spread widely. Keep your aloe vera in full sunlight. It you are planting it indoors, put it on a window sill to gain proper sunlight. Even though aloe vera can survive draught very well, water must be provided to the plant for its benefit.

Soil Type for Growing Aloe Vera:

The soil required for planting aloe vera must be moderately fertile and fast draining. The aloe vera itself has a lot of water in it, and if the soil is not fast draining the plant will wilt.

Pots and Planters for Growing Aloe Vera:

The roots of the aloe vera plant are shallow and they spread widely. Therefore, always choose a wide planter for growing aloe vera plant. The pot must have a drainage hole to better facilitate water drainage. Couple of inches of gravel at the bottom of the pot is required. A mix of coarse sand and granite grit is effective for a flourishing growth of aloe vera plant. Fertilizers too can help sometimes.

Precautions while Growing Aloe Vera:

Aloe vera is succulent in nature and has lots of water in it. Thus, taking care of the plant or growing a new aloe vera plant during winter needs experience and knowledge. In this season the plant will become dormant and take very less moisture. You should water it only if the soil is completely dry. However, during summers, the plant will require a lot of moisture and you will need to water it regularly.

Removing Leaves:

Cut the leaves as you need them. The cut in the leaf will heal and get sealed. The leaf will not grow back. You must cut those leaves that are closest to the ground because they are more potent and mature.