What You Should Know About This Plant
Aloe vera is considered a native species only in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula in the Al-Hajar Mountains in northeastern Oman.
However, Aloe Vera is widely cultivated around the world and naturalized in North Africa as well as Sudan and neighboring countries. It is also a naturalized plant in the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and Madeira, as well as in Portugal and southern Spain.
The species was introduced to China and parts of Europe in the 17th century in dry, temperate and tropical regions. It is grown as an ornamental plant, like many cacti and succulents, and is very popular for its medicinal properties, interesting colors and juiciness.
Being a very succulent plant, aloe vera manages to survive in areas with low natural rainfall, making it ideal for rock gardens and other gardens with low water usage.
Aloe vera is hardy in areas with low temperatures, but does not tolerate frost and snow. It is resistant to insects and pests and therefore thrives in a variety of locations.
Growing Aloe Vera
Aloe vera can be grown as a potted plant or garden species.
In almost every home where flowers are looked after, there is also a pot of aloe vera. It will grow well if the pot is well drained so that the roots do not rot before watering.
We will help you to have a healthy plant in your home or workplace. Just make sure to read carefully these steps:
Soil for aloe vera
Aloe vera is an unpretentious plant and its garden soil is sufficient. Peat moss should be sprinkled on top. Sand is not suitable because it contains too much salt, which does not affect aloe vera well.
Planting aloe vera
The plant is planted in the center of the pot. Soil is placed at the base of the leaves. This plant usually puts out large roots and they are firmly anchored in the soil.
In the garden, it is good to choose a place with a patterned shade for planting aloe, taking into account that there is enough space, because it will grow up to a 40 inches in height, and its leaves will spread out in the form of a rosette, because of which it will need space.
Watering aloe vera
Aloe vera is not watered immediately after planting. After 2 weeks, water the aloe, but with a little water. The roots grew during this time. While growing, aloe vera does not need much watering either. Watering twice a month is enough. However, it must be watered throughout the year. It is dangerous if aloe vera is overwatered because its roots will rot and the plant will die. If the leaves get wet, they do not rot.
However, if the leaves soften, this means that water is in short supply and the amount or frequency of watering should be increased.
In the hottest summer months, watering once a week is recommended if it is in the garden. The plant is very resistant to drought.
Light and heat for aloe vera
Being a tropical species, aloe vera loves light. The place that is chosen should be with a view to being constantly exposed to the sun.
The plant loves heat and in winter it must be well protected from the cold.
If kept in the right conditions, aloe vera grows quickly and shoots appear. Young plants can be transplanted into other pots as soon as they reach 4 inches in height.
Plants of the species grown in the garden should be kept in a pot in the room during the winter. At temperatures close to zero it survives, but if the winter is cold it will die.
Aloe vera fertilization
Aloe vera does not like moisture, so it should be kept in a place where the air is drier. It does not need to be fed with fertilizer, it acquires only the substances it needs. If the plant is still weak, it can be given a weak mineral fertilizer in spring and autumn.
Transplanting aloe vera
Young plants need transplanting every year in spring. Adults are transplanted every 2-3 years.
Benefits and uses of aloe vera
Due to the many biologically active substances, aloe vera is used mainly for medical purposes - for diabetes, seborrhea, wounds, psoriasis, it also has anti-cancer properties. There are many health benefits of aloe vera.
- It is among the air purifying plants. The perfect flower for a bedroom.
- It has both external and internal applications.
- In horticulture, it is used as a houseplant to decorate the interior or in rock gardens, where it creates wonderful compositions with other tropical flowers.
- Aloe vera is among the perfect desk plants and flowers for the office.
There is almost no person who has not heard this name, and in everyone it evokes different associations, but always pleasant ones. Regardless of whether they are related to a successfully used medicine, to the enchanting aroma of a favorite perfume or to products for hair, skin, face or home hygiene. Aloe also deserves to be well represented as a plant species in horticulture, although it does not bloom with kitschy flowers like the beautiful rose.
