Aloe vera, which is regularly repotted into fresh soil, does not require any additional fertilizer for he althy growth. In summer, outdoor plants can be fertilized sparingly with universal fertilizer every four weeks.
How should you fertilize aloe vera?
Aloe Vera requires little fertilization. In summer it can be treated sparingly with universal fertilizer or succulent fertilizer every four weeks. Fertilization should be stopped completely during winter rest. However, brown spots on the leaves can indicate a nutrient deficiency, in which case targeted fertilization is recommended.
The fast-growing leaf succulent grows to a height of around 40-50 cm. It stores water in its blue-green colored, fleshy, smooth leaves, so it doesn't mind prolonged dryness. The 30 to 60 cm long leaves with thorns on the edge are something special: they contain the valuable gel that makes aloe vera so popular as a medicinal plant.
Easy-care aloe vera
The real aloe does not require any special substrate or complex care. Only a sufficiently bright location on the south-facing window sill or in the winter garden is important for it to thrive. Watering sparingly from below and good drainage in the pot are also essential. If your plant gets brown spots on the leaves, these could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. In this case, targeted fertilizer application is recommended.
Fertilizing in summer
It is good for your aloe vera if it can be moved to the garden or balcony at the beginning of June. There, too, the heat-loving plant prefers a sunny spot. In midsummer, depending on the weather, you can water about every third day and fertilize every two to four weeks. A special fertilizer for succulents (€6.00 on Amazon) is a good choice. The undemanding aloe vera is also content with a universal fertilizer.
Fertilizing during winter rest
The frost-sensitive aloe vera should move back into the house during September. Please note the following during and after hibernation:
- cool wintering at 10-15° Celsius promotes flower formation,
- Avoid fertilizing altogether in the winter months,
- After winter, repot into fresh soil if necessary, do not fertilize afterwards.
Tip
The newly planted cuttings or offshoots should not be fertilized before they have fully developed their root system.
