The Cultivation Method of the Aloe Queen
The Aloe Queen is renowned for its unique spiral leaf arrangement, celebrated as a piece of art in the world of succulents. However, many enthusiasts often encounter issues such as the plant stagnates or the leaves become watery. This article will systematically analyze the key points of cultivating this special type of aloe, from temperature control to pest and disease prevention.
Three Key Elements of Environmental Control
Temperature Management Tips
The Aloe Queen is not most afraid of high temperatures, but of abnormal soil temperatures. When the air temperature reaches 28℃, it is recommended to place an insulating pad under the pot to prevent the soil temperature from exceeding 35℃. In winter, when maintaining temperatures above 15℃, a heating pad can be used to warm the pot from the side, but avoid direct heating of the roots.
Smart Watering Solution
Adopt a "soaking + spraying" dual-mode watering system: soak the pot once every 10 days to ensure deep water absorption, complemented by foliar spraying twice a day, morning and evening. Use acidified water with a pH of 6.0-6.5 to effectively prevent leaf tip browning.
Control of Light Intensity
In spring, expose to full sunlight, and in summer, use a 50% shade net. Use a lux meter to monitor and maintain light intensity between 15000-25000 lux to promote clear development of the spiral patterns.
Advanced Cultivation Techniques
Secrets of Seed Propagation
The Cultivation Method of the Aloe Queen
For low-temperature stratification, it is recommended to mix the seeds with moist vermiculite and place them in a sealed bag in the refrigerator at 5℃ for 30 days. The sowing medium should use a mixture of peat, perlite, and akadama soil in a ratio of 3:1:1, maintaining a constant temperature of 25℃, which can increase the germination rate by 40%.
Key Points for Potting
Choose a terracotta pot, with the new pot diameter 3-5 cm larger than the original. Stop watering 3 days before potting and retain 1/3 of the protective soil. Recommended bottom fertilizer is a mixture of bone meal and decomposed sheep manure in a ratio of 2:1, providing continuous nutrition for 8 months.
Solutions to Common Issues
Accurate Pest Control
Apply white pest control granules in advance during the peak period of heart borers, and immediately use neem oil diluted 1000 times to drench the roots when pests are found. Old soil should be steam sterilized or spread out and exposed to the sun for more than 7 days.
Emergency Measures for Rotting Roots
Remove the rotting part and soak in hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes, then let it dry while using root growth powder. After replanting, cover with a transparent plastic bag to keep moisture, maintaining an 80% humidity environment for 2 weeks.
Through scientific environmental control and meticulous management, the spiral crown of the Aloe Queen can reach over 40 cm. It is recommended to take growth records every quarter and judge the results of care by the rotation angle of the leaves. Mastering these core techniques can even result in museum-level specimens in a balcony environment.