Aloe vera is a succulent plant that is native to parts of Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Peninsula. It’s used for its healing and medicinal properties, with the gel from the plant being used in a variety of beauty and health products. Aloe vera can also be grown as a houseplant and is relatively easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginners. Here’s how to grow aloe vera.
Find the Right Pot
Aloe vera plants are succulents, meaning they don’t require a lot of water. To make sure your aloe vera plant has the right environment, opt for a pot with drainage holes. This will help to prevent water from pooling in the bottom of the pot and causing root rot. A pot that’s too small or too big can also cause problems, so make sure your pot is the right size for your aloe vera plant.
Choose the Right Soil
Aloe vera plants need soil that drains well. If the soil is too dense, it will cause the plant to get too wet and cause root rot. Look for cactus potting soil or a mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite. You can also create your own soil mixture by combining two parts potting soil, two parts perlite, and one part sand.
Choose a Sunny Spot
Aloe vera plants prefer to be in a spot where they get plenty of sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal, although the plant will also do well in a spot that gets indirect sunlight. Avoid putting your aloe vera plant in a spot where it will get too much direct sunlight, as this can cause sunburn on the leaves. The plant can also tolerate some shade, but should still get at least four to six hours of light per day.
Water Sparingly
Aloe vera plants are succulents, so they don’t need a lot of water. Water your aloe vera plant once every two to three weeks, or when the top inch of soil is dry. Make sure to water thoroughly, but don’t let the pot sit in water. If you’re not sure if your aloe vera needs water, stick your finger in the soil and if it’s still damp, wait a few days before watering again.
Fertilize Once a Year
Aloe vera plants don’t need a lot of extra nutrients, but you can give them a boost with a cactus fertilizer once a year. Choose a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium. Mix the fertilizer with water according to the directions on the package, then use it to water your aloe vera plant. Make sure not to over-fertilize, as this can cause the plant to become unhealthy.
Repotting
Aloe vera plants can become root bound in their pots and will need to be repotted every two to three years. When repotting, use a pot that’s just slightly bigger than the previous one and add some fresh potting mix. Be careful when repotting, as the plant’s leaves are fragile and easily damaged.
Harvesting
When you’re ready to harvest some of the gel from the leaves of your aloe vera plant, use a sharp knife to cut off a few of the oldest leaves. Cut the leaves off at the base and peel away the outer layers to reveal the gel. You can then use the gel as desired for health and beauty benefits.
Conclusion
With the right care, an aloe vera plant can be a beautiful and easy-to-care-for addition to any home. Follow the tips above to learn how to grow aloe vera, and you’ll have a healthy, happy plant in no time.