Aloes are undemanding and robust. They do well with little care and offer an unusual sight with their smooth, shiny, lanceolate leaves. Their gel can also be used for skin care.
How do I properly care for my aloe vera plant?
Aloe vera care includes regular watering (twice a week in summer, minimal in winter), occasional fertilizing (every 2-4 weeks in summer), repotting every two years and removing side shoots and older leaves if necessary. Avoid waterlogging and provide enough light.
Aloes grow quite quickly in good conditions. They thrive best on a south-facing window, in the winter garden or in the greenhouse. Most aloe species require a bright and warm location. In any case, it is worth giving the aloe some plant care. Not only is it a decorative looking green plant, but it can also help with skin injuries or digestive problems.
Aloe has appeared in German pharmacopoeias since the 12th century. Even in ancient times, the Romans and Egyptians used aloe as a medicinal plant against various diseases of the internal organs. Aloe vera was used by our ancestors all over the world to care for the skin and to treat burns and other wounds.
How often should aloe vera be watered?
Aloe plants growing in nature have to cope with longer dry periods. Their fleshy, thick leaves can store enough water to survive dry periods without damage. Only the young plants, which cannot yet store much water in their leaves, depend on regular watering.
The aloes cultivated in pots that spend the summer outdoors should be watered from below directly onto the substrate about twice a week. Once the aloes have moved to their winter quarters, the amount of water added can be reduced to a minimum. The aloes do not like waterlogging, so make sure there is a good drainage layer in the pot!
Is fertilization necessary?
The aloes can use an occasional fertilizer (every 2-4 weeks) of universal or special fertilizer for succulents (€5.00 on Amazon) in summer. After repotting in fresh soil and in winter, especially in a cool location (approx. 10-15° C), fertilizing should be stopped.
When should aloe vera be repotted?
The fast-growing aloes should be repotted regularly (about every two years) into a larger container. As a result, the space required by an aloe becomes larger and larger. If possible, this should be considered when purchasing the plant. If you don't water the aloe for a long time before repotting, the root ball is easier to remove from the pot.
Does aloe vera need to be cut?
In order to keep the plant in shape and have a lasting influence on its growth, the side shoots should be removed. If necessary, always cut off the outermost leaves first. To do this, carefully cut off the leaf at the base with a sharp knife. The wound should be kept as small as possible. If necessary, just score the sheet and then carefully twist it off.
Is aloe vera at risk from pests and diseases?
Aloe vera is not very susceptible to disease. Nevertheless, care errors can lead to the plants being stunted in their growth or being attacked by pests such as mealybugs and scale insects. In the event of a pest infestation, rinsing the leaves with cold water and, if necessary, treating the affected areas with alcohol can help.
The common causes of deficiency symptoms and pest infestation are:
- missing light,
- permanent waterlogging,
- Overfertilization or nutrient deficiency
Brown or dried leaf tips, however, are a natural phenomenon and not a sign of disease or lack of care. The same applies to the leaves turning reddish. This comes from strong sunlight and does not harm the plants.
Is aloe vera hardy?
Aloe vera is sensitive to frost. It can thrive in summer and winter at normal room temperature and dry heated air. If your aloe has spent the summer outdoors, it should be brought back indoors by September at the latest. Overwintering aloe vera outside is not possible.
Tips & Tricks
You can store the leaves cut from the plant in the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator for several days.
