Aloe vera is a succulent plant highly appreciated both for its ornamental beauty and for the many beneficial properties of the gel contained in its leaves.
It is a hardy plant with few needs, but to keep it healthy and vigorous, aloe vera requires some of our attention on specific aspects.
Here are some useful tips on how to care for aloe vera correctly, so you can benefit from it for a long time.
Placement and light exposure
Aloe vera needs plenty of light to grow well, as it originates from arid and sunny regions.
It can be grown indoors, but in this case it should be placed near a south- or west-facing window, so it receives several hours of direct sunlight each day.
If light is insufficient, the plant develops weakly, with thin and less fleshy leaves.
Outdoors, aloe tolerates full sun well, although during summer it is best to shade it during the hottest hours to avoid burns.
Soil and pot choice
Like all succulents, aloe vera needs well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
The ideal soil is one specifically for cacti and succulents, to which coarse sand or pumice can be added to improve its draining capacity.
As for the pot, the best choice is always terracotta, which promotes transpiration and reduces excess humidity.
The pot must have large holes at the base to allow water to drain properly.
Watering
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes when growing aloe vera.
Since, as mentioned earlier, aloe is a succulent plant adapted to arid climates, it tolerates drought much better than water stagnation.
To be sure the plant really needs water, simply check that the soil is completely dry deep inside the pot, for example by inserting a finger to the bottom.
During the summer months, it is generally enough to water aloe vera every 10–15 days.
In winter, however, the watering frequency should be drastically reduced to about once a month if aloe vera is kept in cool environments.
Repotting and propagation
Aloe vera multiplies through offshoots (colloquially called “pups”), which are shoots that grow near the mother plant and can be carefully separated to obtain new plants.
Simply replant them in a new pot using soil for succulents, avoiding immediate watering so the tender roots do not rot.
Repotting aloe vera is best done in spring, when temperatures are mild, checking the root system and removing any rotten or dry parts.
Optimal temperature and cold resistance
Aloe vera loves warmth, and its best growth occurs within a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C, while it does not tolerate temperatures below 5°C.
If you live in an area with very cold winters, it is essential to bring aloe vera indoors or protect it with garden fleece if left outside, avoiding prolonged frosts.
Aloe vera diseases and common problems
Aloe vera is a very resistant plant, but it can still be subject to diseases if not properly cared for.
When leaves turn yellow, it usually means excessive watering.
When leaves appear soft and thin, it means the plant is suffering from a lack of light.
When you notice small white cottony clusters on the leaves, the plant has been attacked by a parasite: mealybugs.
In such cases, you can intervene by removing them manually with alcohol or potassium soft soap.
Harvesting and using the gel
One of the reasons for caring for aloe vera is the transparent gel contained in its leaves, which can be applied to the skin to soothe burns and irritations.
This gel is extracted by cutting an outer leaf from the plant and letting it drain for a while to eliminate aloin, a substance that is not only bitter but also potentially irritating.
Growing aloe vera is also a sustainable choice, as it requires little water and can live for a long time without chemical fertilizers.
Moreover, having an aloe vera plant at home means having a natural remedy available, without resorting to packaged industrial products.