Why do other people's aloe vera always have thick leaves and a pot full of small cubs, while yours either rots and withers, or grows thin and excessive? Actually, it's not difficult to cultivate aloe vera well. The key is to master the four core skills of soil, watering, lighting, and plant separation. As long as these four points are done well, even beginners can make aloe vera full of vitality, easily achieving the effect of lush green leaves and a pot full of cubs.
First, the soil should be "breathable", and a strong root system is the foundation.
Aloe vera's root system is like a "breathing organ that fears stuffiness", only loose and breathable soil can allow it to grow healthily.
. Many people cannot raise aloe vera well, and the first step is to mix soil - using sticky and heavy garden soil or pure sandy soil, either causing waterlogging and root rot, or insufficient nutrients.1、 The golden soil formula has been verified through practice, and the optimal formula is: 4 parts of decomposed leaf soil+3 parts of coarse sand+2 parts of garden soil+1 part of decomposed organic fertilizer. This ratio can ensure both breathability and drainage, as well as provide sustained nutrients.
- Rotten leaf soil: provides rich organic matter, making the soil loose
- Coarse sand: accounts for 30%, enhancing drainage (cannot be replaced by fine sand)
- Garden soil: provides basic nutrients, regulates soil structure
- Mature organic fertilizer: slowly releases nutrients, promotes growth
2. Soil matching and pit avoidance guide
>Note: The proportion of coarse sand should not exceed 40%, otherwise it will cause nutrient loss too quickly, and aloe vera is prone to malnutrition.
- Avoid using pure garden soil: it is prone to clumping and water accumulation, leading to root rot.
- Do not use unripe fertilizers: it will burn roots and breed bacteria.
- Local materials can be used: peat soil can be used as a substitute for rotten leaf soil, and coal slag (crushed and sieved) can be used as a substitute for coarse sand.
3. Simple testing method.
Grasp a handful of prepared soil tightly, release it naturally, and it is qualified "breathable" soil. If the clumps do not disperse, it is necessary to increase the proportion of coarse sand.
Secondly, when watering, it is important to "cut off" and prefer dry over wet.
Aloe vera is native to arid regions in Africa and has evolved a powerful water storage capacity. It is "not thirsty" but "afraid of waterlogging".
. 90% of aloe vera root rots are caused by watering too frequently.1、 Watering principle: dry thoroughly
A simple method to determine if the soil is completely dry is to insert a 5cm bamboo stick, remove it, and water it if there is no moisture. You can also observe the surface of the soil in the pot. When there are concave cracks and the color becomes lighter, it is a watering signal.
2、 Seasonal Watering Plan
- Summer (temperature>25 ℃): Watering once every 3-5 days, choose to do it in the cool evening, and occasionally spray water around to increase humidity
- Winter (temperature<15 ℃): Watering once every 10-15 days, choose to water it in the warm noon when the water temperature is close to room temperature
- Spring and Autumn (15-25 ℃): Watering once every 7-10 days, adjust flexibly according to the dryness and wetness of the soil in the pot
3. Watering Practical Tips
Pour the kettle and control the amount of water- The accumulated water on the bottom tray of the pot should be poured out in a timely manner, and it is not allowed to accumulate water for a long time
- Novices can use the "weighing method": remember the weight of the pot after pouring water, and water it again when it becomes noticeably lighter
Thirdly, the lighting should be "carefully controlled", and getting enough sunlight will make it thicker
Aloe vera is a light loving plant, and sufficient light can accumulate more nutrients in its leaves, making them thick and green. Long term lack of light can lead to leaf thinning, light color, and even lodging.
1、 Light duration requirement
Ensure 4-6 hours of light exposure every day, with the best time being before 9am and after 4pm. At a suitable temperature of 15-25 ℃, sufficient light can maximize the efficiency of photosynthesis.
2、 Seasonal Light Management
- Winter: Full day maintenance, placed on a south facing windowsill or balcony, and exposed to as much sunlight as possible
- Summer: receive direct sunlight in the morning, use a gauze curtain to shade at noon to avoid burning the leaves
- Spring and Autumn: can be placed outdoors on the balcony without shading
3. Remediation for insufficient light
If aloe vera leaves become thinner or have longer spacing (excessive length), they should be immediately moved to a place with sufficient light.
. But be careful not to suddenly move from a dark place to a strong light. Gradually increase the light exposure time to avoid leaf burns.Fourth, when dividing plants, one should "seize the opportunity". There are methods to fill up the young plants.
Aloe vera is prone to sprouting lateral buds (young plants) from the base. Timely division can not only make the mother plant grow more vigorously, but also obtain more new seedlings, achieving the explosive effect of "one pot becoming multiple pots".
.1、 The best time for division is from March to April in spring or from September to November in autumn. At this time, the temperature is suitable (15-25 ℃), and the survival rate after division is high and the seedlings are delayed quickly. Avoid planting during high temperatures in summer or low temperatures in winter.
2、 Steps for Splitting Plants
(1) Dropping: Water 1-2 days in advance, and when the soil in the pot is slightly moist, remove the entire plant and gently shake the soil at the roots
(2) Separating: Use disinfectant scissors to cut open lateral buds with 3 or more leaves and independent roots from the base of the mother plant
(3) Drying: Place the separated seedlings in a cool and ventilated place, dry for 4-5 hours in summer and 1-2 days in winter to allow the wound to heal
(4) Pouring: Plant with newly prepared soil, bury the soil in the pot at the top of the root system, and do not plant too deep
5) Slow seedling growth: After potting, place it in a scattered area and do not water it for one week. Wait for the new leaves to germinate and maintain them normally. 3. Techniques for promoting growth after division. 2 weeks after division, apply a diluted organic fertilizer (such as 10 times diluted cake fertilizer water) to promote root development. After the mother plant splits, replacing with new soil and supplementing nutrients can help to sprout new lateral buds faster. As long as you follow these methods of maintenance, your aloe vera can not only stay away from problems such as root rot and overgrowth, but also constantly produce small offspring, and can grow from a single plant to a dense pot within a year.