How to Plant Aloe Vera
This article introduces knowledge about how to plant aloe vera and the correct methods for home cultivation of aloe vera in the field of green plants and flowers. Let's take a look together!
Aloe vera is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant. Before raising it, prepare well-ventilated, well-draining neutral soil and a pot of appropriate size. During the cultivation process, avoid excessive watering and maintain the principle of watering only when the soil is dry; aloe vera loves sunlight, so it is best to place it in a well-ventilated and well-lit outdoor area for cultivation; aloe vera is heat-tolerant, with an optimal growth temperature of around 20℃; when fertilizing aloe vera, the amount of fertilizer should be determined based on its growth condition and environment. The following sections will introduce in detail the selection of pots, soil choice, environmental temperature, and water and fertilizer management.
1. Pot Selection
Before raising aloe vera, it is very necessary to select a pot of appropriate size. If the aloe vera seedling is large and the pot is small, it will inhibit the healthy growth of aloe vera; conversely, if the aloe vera seedling is small and the pot is large, it is easy to cause the soil to stay wet after watering, leading to root rot over time and making the plant look unbalanced and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Soil Choice
Aloe vera prefers a neutral, loose soil that is well-draining and does not compact. You can mix humus soil, coarse sand, and garden soil in a ratio of 4:2:2. The proportion of coarse sand should not be too high because sandy soil can easily cause the loss of water and nutrients, leading to malnutrition.
3. Environmental Temperature
Aloe vera loves sunlight and is heat-tolerant. Sufficient sunlight is very beneficial for the growth of aloe vera, so it is best to maintain 6-7 hours of sunlight every day. However, this does not mean that more sunlight is better; during the summer, it is best to provide moderate shading to prevent sunburn. At the same time, it is sensitive to cold, so the cultivation environment should be between 15-30℃, with the optimal growth temperature being 20℃. If the temperature drops below 0℃, the plant can easily die; and if it exceeds 30℃, it can easily wither. In the summer, you need to spray water to increase the humidity around the plant and lower the temperature.
4. Water and Fertilizer Management
Avoid frequent watering of aloe vera and follow the principle of watering only when the soil is dry. In the summer, it can be watered every 3-5 days, preferably after sunset. In the winter, reduce the watering frequency and it is best to water at noon. In spring and autumn, the frequency and timing of watering are not limited and should be based on the condition of the plant. Fertilizing aloe vera mainly involves using calcium phosphate or compound fertilizer. Fertilize more when the temperature is high and growth is rapid, and less otherwise. Aloe vera has few pests and diseases and generally does not require insecticides.
5. Propagation Methods
Common propagation methods include division and cutting. Division is usually done in early spring by removing the plant from the potting soil, selecting healthy young plants from the base, and potting them separately without planting too deep. Watering should be minimized in the early stages, and after two weeks, water thoroughly. Cutting propagation takes longer to root. Cut a 10 cm piece of leaf from the top of the old plant, apply some wood ash to the cut, let it dry for two days, and then insert it into the potting soil. Keeping the soil moist is sufficient.
The above introduction to how to plant aloe vera and the correct methods for home cultivation of aloe vera is hoping to bring you some help. Don't forget to check out more flower cultivation experience and knowledge!