Aloes are undemanding and hardy. They get along well with little care and offer an unusual sight with their smooth, shiny, lanceolate leaves. In addition, its gel can be used for skin care.

Aloe vera is easy to care for and doesn't need a lot of attention

Aloes grow quite quickly in good conditions. They thrive best on a south-facing window, in the conservatory or in the greenhouse. Most aloe species need a light and warm location. In any case, it is worth giving the aloe some plant care. Not only is it a decorative-looking green plant, it can also help with skin injuries or digestive problems.

Aloe has appeared in German pharmacopoeias since the 12th century. Even in ancient times, the Romans and Egyptians used aloe as a medicinal plant to treat various diseases of the internal organs. Aloe vera was used by our ancestors all over the world to care for the skin and to treat burns and other wounds.

How often should aloe vera be watered?

Aloe plants growing in nature have to cope with the longer periods of drought. Its fleshy, thick leaves can store enough water to survive dry periods without damage. Only the young plants, which cannot yet store much water in their leaves, are dependent on regular watering.

The aloes cultivated in pots, which spend the summer outdoors, should be watered from below directly onto the substrate about twice a week. When the aloes have moved to their winter quarters, the water addition can be reduced to a minimum. The aloes do not like waterlogging, so make sure there is a good drainage layer in the pot!

Is fertilizing required?

The aloes can use an occasional fertilizer application (every 2-4 weeks) of universal or special fertilizer for succulents in summer. After repotting in fresh soil and in winter, especially in a cool location (approx. 10-15° C), fertilizing should be stopped.

When is aloe vera repotted?

The fast-growing aloes should be repotted regularly (about every two years) into a larger container. As a result, the space required by an aloe grows. This should be considered when purchasing the plant. If you do not water the aloe for a long time before repotting, the root ball can be more easily removed from the pot.

Does aloe vera need to be cut?

In order to keep the plant in shape and to influence its growth in the long term, the side shoots should be removed. If necessary, always cut off the outermost leaves first. To do this, carefully cut off the leaf with a sharp knife at the base. The wound should be kept as small as possible. If necessary, just scratch the blade and then carefully twist it off.

Is aloe vera endangered by pests and diseases?

Aloe vera is not very susceptible to disease. Nevertheless, the care mistakes can lead to the plants being stunted in their growth or being afflicted by pests such as mealybugs and scale insects. In the case of pest infestation, rinsing the leaves with cold water and, if necessary, treating the affected areas with alcohol can help.

The most common causes of deficiency symptoms and pest infestation are:

  • missing light,
  • permanent waterlogging,
  • Over-fertilization or lack of nutrients

Brown or dried leaf tips, on the other hand, are a natural phenomenon and are not a sign of disease or lack of care. The same applies to the reddening of the leaves. This comes from strong sunlight and does not harm the plants.

Is aloe vera hardy?

Aloe vera is sensitive to frost. It can thrive well in summer and winter at normal room temperatures and dry heating air. If your aloe spent the summer outside, it should be brought back inside by September at the latest. Overwintering aloe vera outside is not possible.

tips and tricks

You can keep the leaves cut off the plant in the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator for several days.

Category:

Indoor plants