Aloe Vera Watering After Planting
Aloe vera, loved by novice gardeners for its lazy plant nature, has become a popular choice for home greenery with its strong vitality. However, many people cause the plant to wilt due to improper watering after transplanting. How to grasp the watering amount during this critical period? Let's uncover the mystery of water management after planting aloe vera through scientific experimental data and gardening experience.
Best Watering Time After Repotting Aloe Vera
Root Repair Critical Period
Botanists have found that it takes an average of 72-120 hours for aloe vera roots to repair capillary root damage after transplanting. Experimental group data shows that the survival rate of plants watered immediately after transplanting is only 62%, while the survival rate of plants watered after a 5-day delay is 93%. It is recommended to observe the tip of the leaf, and water for the first time when there is slight shrinkage (usually on the 4th or 5th day).
Three Key Elements of Scientific Watering
Soil Moisture Control
The ideal transplanting substrate should maintain a "moist but not wet" state, with water content controlled between 18-22%. It can be judged by the "握土 test": take a small amount of pot soil and form it into a ball, and it is best if it can naturally disperse after loosening. If the soil is too dry, it can be moistened with a sprayer on the surface on the 3rd day.
Water Quality Selection Standard
Use tap water that has been exposed to the air for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate and the water temperature to approach room temperature. The EC value (electrical conductivity) should be＜0.8mS/cm to avoid mineral deposits. In special cases, cool boiled water can be used, but be aware that long-term use can lead to a lack of trace elements.
Watering Operation Skills
Adopt the "gradual soaking method": first wet the surface soil, then slowly water until the water seeps from the bottom hole after an interval of 15 minutes. Use a尖嘴壶 to pour water along the pot wall to avoid rinsing the roots. It is recommended to complete the process before 9 am in spring and summer, and at noon in autumn and winter.
Prevention and Emergency Treatment of Waterlogging
When setting up a drainage layer, the thickness of ceramsite should reach 1/5 of the height of the pot. If waterlogging is found, immediately tilt the pot to pour out excess water, and use a cotton swab to absorb the liquid in the water collection tray. During continuous rainy weather, you can sprinkle bamboo charcoal particles to adjust the humidity, with 3-5g per liter of soil being appropriate.
After mastering these details, you will find that the new leaves of aloe vera will significantly swell 7-10 days after watering. Remember to supplement phosphorus and potassium fertilizers every month during the vigorous growth period, combined with proper water management, and you will harvest plump and translucent aloe vera leaves. When the plant is fully adapted to the pot, you can gradually transition to the conventional maintenance mode.