Aloe Vera is native to the warm and dry regions of the world. It loves light and warmth and can store water in its thick leaves. In our latitudes, the plant can only be outdoors in summer.
Aloe Vera likes to spend the summer on the balcony
Most aloe species grow in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Central America and Asia. Some Mediterranean regions and the Canary Islands, where average temperatures of around 20-25° Celsius prevail all year round, offer optimal growing conditions for the warmth-loving plants. The main growing areas are South and Central America, Africa and Spain.
In this country, aloe vera (also known as real aloe or aloe barbadensis Miller) is cultivated as a houseplant for sunny locations. Aloe vera thrives on south-facing windows, where sensitive plants can be damaged. Like all succulents, it stores water in its thick leaves and can therefore survive for a long time without watering.
This frugality in terms of care, but above all the bizarre appearance makes aloe vera attractive:
- stemless or short stem, densely covered with rosette-shaped leaves,
- fleshy, smooth, shiny leaves with thorns, about 30-60 cm long,
- Flowers in yellow, red or orange.
Summer stay outdoors
From around the beginning of June, aloe vera can move to the garden or balcony. Plants that don't really want to thrive can also benefit from being outdoors. Provided you have a warm and sunny place available. Watering takes place about every third day. A weekly fertilizer application is recommended.
Overwinter in the house
In the course of September you should bring your aloe vera back into the house. There she can stand a little cooler in winter. When it is cool, however, watering should be reduced and fertilizing stopped. In greenhouses and in sheltered locations where the temperatures do not fall below 10° Celsius even in winter, the plants have optimal conditions for the formation of new flowers.
tips and tricks
The young plants, especially those you have grown yourself from cuttings, should first be slowly accustomed to the sun and bright light.