Aloe Vera is native to the warm and dry regions of the world. It loves light and warmth and can store water in its thick leaves. In our latitudes, the plant can only be grown outdoors in summer.
Can I keep my aloe vera plant on the balcony?
Aloe Vera can be placed on the balcony or in the garden from the beginning of June to September, provided a warm and sunny location is available. Watering is carried out approximately every three days and fertilization is carried out weekly.
Most aloe species grow in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Central America and Asia. Some Mediterranean regions and the Canary Islands, where average temperatures of around 20-25° Celsius prevail all year round, offer optimal growing conditions for the heat-loving plants. The main growing areas are South and Central America, Africa and Spain.
In this country, Aloe vera (also real aloe or Aloe barbadensis Miller) is cultivated as a houseplant for sunny locations. Aloe vera thrives on south-facing windows, where sensitive plants can be damaged. Like all succulents, it stores water in its thick leaves and can therefore survive for long periods of time without watering.
This frugality in care, but above all its bizarre appearance, makes aloe vera attractive:
- stemless or short trunk, densely covered with rosette-shaped leaves,
- fleshy, smooth, shiny, thorny leaves, about 30-60 cm long,
- Flowers in yellow, red or orange.
Summer stay outdoors
Aloe vera can be moved into the garden or onto the balcony from around the beginning of June. Staying outdoors can also be good for plants that don't really want to thrive. Provided you have a warm and sunny place available. Watering takes place about every third day. A weekly fertilizer application (€6.00 on Amazon) is recommended.
Wintering in the house
During September you should bring your aloe vera back into your house. It can be kept a little cooler there in winter. However, if it is cool, watering should be reduced and fertilizing stopped. In greenhouses and protected locations where temperatures do not fall below 10° Celsius even in winter, the plants have optimal conditions for the formation of new flowers.
Tips & Tricks
The young plants, especially those you have grown yourself from cuttings, should first slowly become accustomed to sun and bright light.
