Aloe vera (Medicinal Aloe)

Aloe vera, also known as Medicinal Aloe, or Aloe Barbadensis Miller, is a popular succulent plant known for its soothing, healing properties. This versatile plant is not only attractive, but also easy to grow and maintain. In this comprehensive guide on Aloe vera care, I’ll provide you with detailed information on how to care for your succulent, propagate it, fertilize, and deal with common pests and diseases.

How to Care for Aloe vera

Light Requirements

Aloe vera’s light requirements are essential to its overall health and appearance. In its natural habitat, the plant grows under the protection of larger plants, receiving bright, indirect light. To replicate this, position your Aloe vera near a south or west-facing window, where it can receive a few hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight. If your window is too sunny, use a sheer curtain to filter the light.

Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to turn brown or yellow, with a dry, leathery texture. If you notice these signs, move the plant to a shadier location. Conversely, if your Aloe vera is receiving insufficient light, it will display leggy growth and a pale green color. In low-light environments, use a fluorescent or LED grow light to provide supplemental lighting. Keep the grow light on for 12-14 hours a day to mimic natural daylight conditions.

Summary

Aloe vera requires bright, indirect light from a south or west-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, and use grow lights in low-light environments to maintain healthy growth.

Watering Aloe vera

Proper watering is essential for Aloe vera’s health, as it prevents overwatering and root rot. The plant’s thick leaves store water, allowing it to survive periods of drought. To determine when your Aloe vera needs water, insert a finger or moisture meter about two inches into the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.

When watering, use the “soak and dry” method, which involves thoroughly drenching the soil and allowing excess water to drain away. Never let your Aloe vera sit in standing water, as this can cause root rot. To avoid overwatering, use a container with drainage holes and a saucer to catch excess water.

Summary

Use the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. A container with drainage holes prevents overwatering and root rot.

Soil Needs

A well-draining soil mix is key to preventing root rot and maintaining a healthy Aloe vera. Commercial cactus or succulent mixes are suitable, but you can also create a custom blend. Combine equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice for optimal drainage and aeration.

To further improve drainage, consider using a terracotta or unglazed ceramic pot, as these materials are porous and allow moisture to evaporate more quickly. This will help maintain a balanced moisture level in the soil, ensuring your Aloe vera’s roots remain healthy and strong.

Summary

A well-draining soil mix is crucial, combining potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice. Terracotta or unglazed ceramic pots further improve drainage.

Temperature and Humidity

Aloe vera is sensitive to extreme temperatures and drafts. Maintain an indoor temperature of 55-80°F (13-27°C) to promote healthy growth. During the winter, ensure that your Aloe vera is not exposed to cold drafts from windows or doors. If necessary, move the plant to a warmer location during colder months.

While Aloe vera can tolerate low humidity, it thrives in environments with 40-50% humidity. To increase humidity, place a tray filled with water and pebbles under the plant’s pot, ensuring the bottom of the pot does not touch the water. This will create a humid microclimate around your Aloe vera.

Misting the leaves is not recommended, as it can promote fungal growth and cause leaf spots. Instead, focus on maintaining proper humidity levels through environmental adjustments.

Summary

Maintain a temperature of 55-80°F (13-27°C) and humidity levels of 40-50%. Use a tray with water and pebbles to create a humid microclimate, avoiding misting leaves.

How to Propagate Aloe vera

Offsets (Pups)

Propagating Aloe vera through offsets is the most reliable method. To maximize success, wait until the pups are at least one-third the size of the mother plant, as they’ll have a better chance of survival. To remove the pup, carefully dig around the base, exposing the roots. Gently separate the pup from the mother plant, ensuring it has a portion of the root system attached. If the roots are entangled, use a clean, sharp knife to separate them.

Once removed, allow the pup to sit in a well-ventilated area for a few days, enabling the cut to callus and prevent potential infection. Plant the pup in a well-draining soil mix, burying the roots but not the green part of the plant. Water sparingly for the first few weeks, until the roots establish and new growth appears.

Summary

Propagate Aloe vera by separating pups from the mother plant, allowing the cut to callus, and planting in well-draining soil. Water sparingly until roots establish.

Leaf Cuttings

Propagating Aloe vera through leaf cuttings is less successful, but still possible. Choose a plump, healthy leaf from the lower part of the plant. Make a clean, diagonal cut close to the base, and allow the cut end to dry and callus for 3-5 days. Optionally, dip the callused end in rooting hormone to encourage root development.

Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, burying the cut end about 1-2 inches deep. Keep the soil slightly damp, but not wet, and provide bright, indirect light. Be patient, as it may take several weeks or even months for roots to develop. Once you observe new growth, care for the plant as you would a mature Aloe vera.

Summary

Less successful but possible. Choose a healthy leaf, allow the cut end to callus, and plant in well-draining soil. Keep soil damp and wait for root development.

Fertilizing Your Aloe vera

Aloe vera’s fertilizer requirements are minimal, but proper fertilization can promote healthy growth and improve the plant’s healing properties. Use a water-soluble, balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply the fertilizer once during the growing season (spring or summer) by watering the plant as usual. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause leggy growth, yellowing leaves, and a reduction in the gel’s beneficial properties.

Common Pests and Diseases

Aloe vera is generally resistant to pests, but mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites can occasionally be a problem. To treat infestations, isolate the affected plant, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the product’s instructions. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests to catch infestations early and prevent them from spreading.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is the most common disease affecting Aloe vera. Symptoms include mushy, discolored leaves and a foul smell. If you suspect root rot, remove the plant from the pot, trim away the affected roots, and treat the remaining healthy roots with a fungicide. Replant the Aloe vera in fresh, well-draining soil and avoid overwatering in the future.

Fungal infections, such as leaf spots or anthracnose, can be prevented by providing proper air circulation, avoiding excessive moisture on the leaves, and promptly removing any dead or decaying plant material. If your plant becomes infected, trim away affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide, as directed.

Summary

Treat pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Prevent root rot by avoiding overwatering and fungal infections by providing proper air circulation.

Where to Buy

You can buy Aloe vera from Mountain Crest Gardens