How to Grow Aloe Vera: A Complete Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Aloe vera is a plant that combines ornamental value and practical use, and it can now be seen in many places in our country. Many people like to buy it and take it home to grow, but some people, due to improper methods, end up causing many problems during the cultivation of aloe vera.

How to Grow Aloe Vera

1. Soil: Aloe vera grows in soil with good air permeability and water permeability. This kind of soil has high organic content, with a pH value of 6.5-7.2.

2. Light: Aloe vera likes light and tolerates semi-shade environments. It dislikes direct sunlight and excessive shading.

3. Temperature: The suitable growing environment temperature is 20 — 30 ℃, and the optimal nighttime temperature is 14 — 17 ℃. Below 10 ℃, growth basically stops; below 0 ℃, the leaf pulp of aloe vera freezes and all of it wilts and dies.

4. Water: Aloe vera has a strong drought resistance. Aloe vera removed from the soil can be kept dry for several months without dying. During the growing period, aloe vera needs sufficient water, but it is not tolerant of waterlogging.

Aloe Vera Cultivation Methods

1. Pot and soil selection. For the soil used to grow aloe vera, it is best to choose one with good drainage, water retention, air permeability and fertilizer storage. Soil with poor drainage and air permeability can easily obstruct root respiration, causing root rot and death of the plant. The soil mix for aloe vera generally uses humus + garden soil + river sand, mixed in a ratio of 2:2:1. For the pot used to plant aloe vera, it is best to choose a clay pot. Ceramic pots and plastic pots have poor air permeability and are best not used. After changing to a new pot, it should be soaked thoroughly with water, so that after potting, the pot wall is not half dry and half wet, which would prevent the plant from adapting well to the pot.

2. Temperature requirements. Aloe vera originally grew in a desert environment with no frost all year round, so it is relatively afraid of cold. The most suitable growing temperature is 5~15℃, and the humidity is 5%~45%. When the room temperature drops to 5℃, aloe vera will stop reverse growth, and at 0℃, abnormal growth will occur in aloe vera.

3. Watering method. Aloe vera is called a “plant that cannot die of drought”, so generally not watering it has little effect, but if water accumulates in the soil for a long time, it will cause root rot. In general, in spring, water once every 5~7 days; in summer, water once every 2~3 days, avoid exposure to the scorching sun, and let the water evaporate; in autumn, water once every 5~7 days. In winter, when the temperature is above 15℃, water once every 15~20 days.

4. Light requirements. Aloe vera needs sufficient sunlight to grow well. Except for aloe vera that has just been planted and can only get morning sunlight, at other times it should get more sun. The more abundant the sunlight, the better it grows.

Precautions for Aloe Vera

Aloe vera needs sufficient sunlight to grow. It should be noted that newly planted aloe vera is not suitable for sun exposure. It is best to let it get sunlight only in the morning, and then gradually increase the light after 10 days. For household potted plants, placing them on a balcony or outdoor windowsill in spring and autumn to receive direct sunlight will make them grow robustly; in summer, move them to a well-ventilated semi-shady place; in winter, place them in a place with sufficient indoor light, and it is best if the room temperature is not lower than 10℃.

Causes of Black Spots on Aloe Vera and Solutions

1. Causes: Aloe vera is very susceptible to black spot disease. The black spots are caused by fungi, and these black spots will gradually expand, cross-infect, and in severe cases even spread and penetrate the entire leaf. The specific symptoms are that water-soaked lesions first appear, black with green, and then gradually expand into round or irregular shapes. The center of the lesion is sunken and grayish brown. The lesions can gradually penetrate to both sides of the leaf, but do not perforate it.

2. Solutions: Remove the diseased tissue to prevent spread and infection. Reduce humidity, especially draining water promptly after rain, to reduce the chance and severity of disease. Spray carbendazim or chlorothalonil wettable powder, etc., for prevention and control.

The cultivation of aloe vera is actually not difficult. The main thing is to understand its growth habits and then carry out the soil mixing. In the later stages of aloe vera cultivation, fertilizer and water management need to be strengthened. Too much or too little may cause aloe vera to die. Some detailed introductions are given above, and everyone can learn more about them.