The frugal aloe vera is popular as a houseplant. In the right location, it thrives without much care. New aloe plants are easy to grow from offshoots and cuttings. All you have to do is plant them in their own container.
Aloe vera likes it bright and warm
In Germany, aloe vera is often cultivated as a houseplant for full sun. It looks good with its smooth glossy leaves and yellow, red or orange flowers and can be used for skin care and as a "green pharmacy" for skin and digestive problems.
Planting and caring for aloe vera
Above all, aloe vera needs a lot of light to thrive, preferably a window sill in full sun. If you buy your aloe vera in the summer, you should still slowly acclimate it to the sun and bright light. Put them in an east window for a few days. This is also important for the young plants.
Before buying, you should consider whether you can offer the fast-growing plant enough space. Aloe vera should be repotted into a larger container about every two years. If you take a good succulent soil, you save yourself the regular fertilizing. Otherwise, the undemanding aloe vera also prefers commercial houseplant soil mixed with some sand and peat.
There are just a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to care:
- ensure good drainage in the pot,
- pour vigorously directly onto the substrate, always remove excess water,
- fertilize in summer with universal or special fertilizer for succulents,
- do not overwinter outside.
Grow aloe vera yourself
To propagate, carefully separate the side shoots and plant them in their own container. The cut surfaces of the offshoots are allowed to air dry beforehand to prevent mold growth. You can also get cuttings from the leaves. The leaf pieces are placed in a mixture of potting soil and fine sand. Keep the container bright and warm, keep the soil evenly moist.
tips and tricks
In order to keep the vigorous plant in shape, the side shoots and, if necessary, the outermost leaves should be cut off.