How To Grow And Care For An Aloe Vera Plant
28.06.2023 - 09:01
/ southernliving.com
/ Aloe Vera
Most of us are familiar with aloe vera. The gel-like sap has long been used to cool sunburns and can be found in everything from lotions to shampoos. The plant itself is a beloved houseplant, grown for its striking architecture, with succulent upright foliage spotted white against a vibrant green. Aloe has fleshy leaves used to store water, with a thick, waxy surface that prevents plants from drying out. These traits make aloe vera plants well adapted to growing in dry conditions–including life indoors. Learn how to grow and care for an aloe vera plant so you’ll always have a source of soothing gel on hand.
Plant Attributes Aloe Vera Care
Throughout most of the country, aloe vera is grown indoors as a houseplant. It can be brought outdoors in the summer and, in the warmest locations, can be grown outdoors year-round as a perennial. Aloe vera grows naturally in hot, dry locations, which helps guide plant care. These are incredibly easy-to-grow houseplants.
Light
Aloe vera thrives in bright direct to indirect light, though plants tolerate some shade and perform well as houseplants in a bright sunny window. Indoors, rotate plants periodically to promote even growth on all sides of the plant. Aloe requires full sun to bloom, though this is only likely to occur where plants are grown outdoors all year.
Soil
As a houseplant, grow aloe vera in a sandy well-draining commercial mix, such as one labelled for cacti. If using a standard mix, add equal parts sand and potting soil. Avoid potting mixes that contain fertilizer. Outdoors, plants tolerate poor soil and require good drainage.
Water
Aloe is quite drought tolerant. Water plants sparingly, allowing the upper one to two inches of soil to dry completely between waterings. Make