How to grow Aloe arborescens? These cultivation methods you need to master

Aloe arborescens is mainly distributed in Africa, and is currently widely grown in households as a green potted plant for greening and radiation protection. Many people grow one at home. So what are the cultivation methods for Aloe arborescens?

1. Potting soil: The potting soil for growing Aloe arborescens must have water retention, fertilizer retention and air permeability, with a pH value between 6.8 and 7.0. Generally, use humus soil plus garden soil and river sand (ratio 2:2:1), then disinfect with 40% formalin, seal it with plastic film for two days, and then air-dry it.

2. Potting up: It is better to pot up Aloe arborescens in spring and summer, with an indoor temperature of 15 to 28°C. Place some broken tiles at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage and ventilation, then fill in the prepared potting soil, select strong seedlings, put the aloe into the pot, spread out the root system, and after filling with soil, lift the aloe seedling upward a little, press firm, straighten it, and water thoroughly.

3. Reviving: When growing Aloe arborescens, special attention should be paid to reviving. Before it turns green again, do not water too much, and do not fertilize, otherwise the roots will rot. Newly potted Aloe arborescens should also not be exposed to direct sunlight. During this period, spray water on the leaves frequently, which can speed up greening and rooting.

4. Fertilizing: The normal growth of Aloe arborescens requires nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, boron, copper, zinc and organic fertilizer. Generally, liquid fertilizer is applied by watering or foliar spraying. Fertilize when growth is faster in spring and autumn, once every half a month to one month, but fertilization should be stopped during the dormant period from November to March of the following year.

5. Watering: Although Aloe arborescens is highly drought-tolerant, it should still be watered reasonably at the right time and in the right amount. Morning and evening are both fine. Generally, water once every 15 to 20 days. The principle is “dry then wet, water thoroughly when dry”. In summer, water can be sprayed on the aloe leaf surface to keep the plant's leaves green, and it is also necessary to prevent exposure to scorching sun.

6. Repotting: Aloe arborescens generally needs to be repotted after about two years of cultivation. Repotting is best done in spring. Put the Aloe arborescens together with the soil ball into a larger new pot, then add new soil, press firm and water thoroughly, place it in a semi-shaded place, and after reviving, move it to a sunny place for normal care.

7. Pests and diseases: Aloe arborescens is not prone to insect pests, and diseases rarely occur. However, in a poor environment, diseases such as black spot may occur on its leaves. At the seedling stage, spray 77% copper hydroxide wettable powder, or 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder 1000 times solution, once every 15 to 20 days, 3 to 4 times within 1 year.

Aloe arborescens is relatively easy to grow, and its requirements for the growing environment are not too high. It is very suitable for home cultivation, and it contains a large amount of aloe gel. It can also green the home, protect against radiation, and absorb formaldehyde.