Providing Adequate Moisture to Plants
As a cactus-like plant, aloe thrives in very hot and dry climates, so it tends to be overwatered. By sticking your finger or a wooden stake an inch or two into the soil, you can determine if it is still holding moisture. If this happens, wait a few more days before watering again.
Sun
Place your aloe plant in an area that receives bright, indirect light. Although native to the desert, aloe can be sunburned if suddenly exposed to too much direct sunlight. If your aloe plant is sunburned, you will notice white or light brown marks on its green leaves.
Placement
Aloe also does not like sudden temperature changes. Therefore, avoid placing it near sliding doors and windows, especially in winter. You should also keep it away from the direct airflow from air conditioning or heating.
Soil
A succulent soil mix is perfect for aloe plants, but mixing regular potting soil with perlite or sand also works well.
Temperature and humidity
Aloe prefers warm and dry conditions because it is arid in dry and tropical climates, it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. If aloe is planted outside, you will need to bring it inside during the colder months. Aloe does not need high humidity; normal indoor air conditions are sufficient.
Replanting an Aloe Vera Plant
Choose a larger pot to give the plant’s roots room to expand and breathe without crowding. Ensure good pot drainage by using gravel, drying stones, or a pot with a drainage hole.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PROPAGATE ALOE PLANTS?
To grow new Aloe Vera plants, you can separate the seedlings (or branches growing at the base of the plant) and plant them in your pots. Harvesting Aloe Vera Freshly harvested aloe vera gel is great for treating skin irritations and sunburns, but remember that aloe plants grow slowly. If you plan to use the leaves as a gel, wait until the plant is 6-8 inches tall and has at least 10 leaves before harvesting.
Common Aloe Plant Problems
1.Pests and Insects
Treat aloe vera pests such as mealybugs, aloe mites, and aloe mites with a mixture of water and neem oil. Aloe scale can be controlled by cleaning the plant with disinfectant, rubbing alcohol, and water.
2. Fleshy Leaves
If your plant’s leaves feel soft, you are watering it too much. Move the plant to a brighter location and stop watering for a week to allow the soil to dry out. In severe cases, overwatering can cause root rot that sunlight alone cannot correct.
3.Leaf breakage
If aloe leaves bend and break easily, it means that the plant is not getting enough light to grow healthy and strong leaves. Move it to a brighter place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aloe Vera Plants?
Is Aloe Vera a cactus?
No, aloe is often confused with a cactus, but it is a succulent.
How long do aloe plants live?
With proper care and ideal conditions, aloe plants can live up to 12 years indoors. Outdoors they can live up to 20 years, especially when planted in an environment similar to their natural desert habitat.
