Most aloe species come from the dry areas of Africa and are cultivated in this country as houseplants for sunny windows or winter gardens. Not only its extraordinary appearance, but also its healing active ingredients make aloe vera a popular plant.
How do you properly care for an aloe vera plant?
Aloe Vera plants need a bright location, well-drained substrate, moderate irrigation without waterlogging and can be propagated through side shoots if necessary. They should be repotted every 2-3 years to promote he althy growth.
Which location is suitable for aloe vera?
It is advisable to consider whether you have enough space for the fast-growing plant before buying an aloe. This should also be as bright as possible. Full sun is no problem for the mature aloe. A greenhouse, a south-facing window or a sunny winter garden are suitable places.
Does aloe vera need a special substrate?
The commercially available houseplant soil (€13.00 on Amazon), mixed with a little sand and possibly peat, is well suited as a substrate. The soil should be well permeable to water, as the aloe cannot tolerate waterlogging.
What should you consider when planting aloe vera?
If you buy your aloe vera in summer, you should slowly get it used to sun and bright light. First place them in an east window for a few days. In addition, a sufficiently large vessel with good drainage is important for he althy growth.
Can you propagate aloe vera yourself?
Aloe vera can easily be propagated using the natural side shoots. The adult plants form these on their trunk. You can also get offshoots from a leaf. To do this, proceed as follows:
- cut off one of the outer leaves,
- you divide the cut leaf into pieces,
- The cuttings are placed in the potting soil in a sun-protected location,
- the soil should be kept evenly moist, light and warm.
When can you repot aloe vera?
The aloes grow quickly and need a larger pot every 2-3 years. They are robust and can be transplanted at any time. However, the best time is May to June.
When does aloe vera bloom?
If conditions are favorable, aloe vera produces a large flower stalk with long, tubular flowers in yellow, orange or red in spring. Buds, fully formed flowers and faded flowers can then be observed on an inflorescence at the same time. The flowers appear every spring. A cool location in winter promotes flower formation.
Tips & Tricks
Aloe is often confused with agave. Other than their similar appearance, the two plants don't have much in common. The biggest difference: Agave dies after flowering, while aloe can bloom again and again every year.
