How much does an Aloe vera plant cost? Flowering time, uses and planting methods

Aloe vera is a perennial evergreen succulent plant of the genus Aloe in the family Asphodelaceae, native to Africa. Here the editor introduces to everyone: how much does an Aloe vera plant cost on the market? When does it bloom? What uses does it have? How is it planted?

1. How much does an Aloe vera plant cost on the market?

The market price of Aloe vera is very cheap; it can be eaten and also used for beauty care. Generally, a large Aloe vera plant suitable for beauty care costs about 22-36 yuan per plant, while small plants can be bought on the market for just a few yuan. Aloe vera can be grown as a household potted variety. Later, as a result of artificial selection, quite a few varieties were selected from Aloe vera, such as Chinese aloe, Shangnong large-leaf aloe, etc.

2. When does Aloe vera bloom?

The flowering period of Aloe vera is from February to March. The flower stem is solitary or slightly branched, 60-90 cm tall; the raceme is loose; the small flowers are about 2.5 cm long, yellow or with red spots; the tubular small flowers have 6 lobes; there are 6 stamens, with anthers attached at the middle; there is 1 pistil with 3 chambers, each chamber having numerous ovules. The capsule is triangular and dehisces along the back of the chambers.

3. What uses does Aloe vera have?

1. Beauty care effect: Aloe polysaccharides and vitamins have a good nourishing, moisturizing and whitening effect on human skin, and are less irritating and comfortable after use. They have a certain therapeutic effect on rough skin, facial wrinkles, scars, freckles, acne, etc. Aloe-emodin and other anthraquinone glycoside substances can make hair soft, glossy, light and comfortable, and also have a dandruff-removing effect. Natural anthraquinone glycosides or anthracene derivatives can absorb ultraviolet rays and prevent the formation of red and brown spots on the skin.

2. Slowing aging: The mucilage in Aloe vera is an important component for preventing cell aging and treating chronic allergies. Mucin exists in human muscles and gastrointestinal mucosa, etc., making tissues elastic. If mucin is insufficient, muscles and mucosa will lose elasticity and become stiff and aged. If the cells that make up the human body lack mucin, the cells will gradually weaken and lose the ability to defend against bacteria and viruses.

3. Detoxifying effect: Aloe vera has the effect of inhibiting excessive immune reactions and enhancing the phagocytic function of phagocytes, so it can remove metabolic waste from the body, has the effect of promoting the liver to decompose harmful substances in the body, and can also eliminate toxins invading the organism from outside. Burn-like skin ulcers caused during cancer treatment with radiation or nuclear radiation can be treated not only with detoxification, anti-inflammatory and new cell regeneration effects, but it can also increase the white blood cells reduced by radiation therapy.

4. Resisting tumors: The viscous polysaccharides in Aloe vera have the effect of improving immunity and inhibiting and destroying the growth of abnormal cells, thereby achieving an anti-cancer purpose. “Aloe antigen” has agglutinating properties for red blood cells and contains substances that can react with cell membranes. Aloe anti-cancer element—A has strong physiological activity, can improve the human body's anti-cancer immune capacity, increase NK—cells, and kill abnormal cells in organisms, namely cancer cells, etc.

5. Sterilizing effect: Aloe tincture is a substance with very strong antibacterial properties. It can kill fungi, molds, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, inhibit and eliminate the development and reproduction of pathogens. The bacteria it acts against include diphtheria bacteria, tetanus bacteria, pneumonia bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, dysentery bacteria, coliform bacteria, plague bacteria, cholera bacteria, as well as those causing otitis media, cystitis, pyogenic infections, measles, rabies, infantile paralysis, epidemic encephalitis, etc.

6. Anti-inflammatory effect: The bradykininase component contained in Aloe vera, combined with vascular tension, can resist inflammation. In particular, the polysaccharides contained in Aloe vera can enhance the human body's resistance to disease and can very well cure chronic conditions such as dermatitis, chronic nephritis, cystitis, and bronchitis.

7. Stomach-strengthening effect: Effective components in Aloe vera such as aloe-emodin glycoside and aloe-emodin play a role in increasing appetite and gently laxating the large intestine. Taking an appropriate amount of Aloe vera can strengthen gastric function and enhance physical fitness. Critically ill patients who have lost appetite due to excess syndrome leading to deficiency can also recover their appetite after taking Aloe vera. Healthy people who take Aloe vera for a long time and persist with aloe baths can prevent and treat certain diseases.

8. Blood-activating effect: Isocitrate calcium and others in Aloe vera have the effects of strengthening the heart, promoting blood circulation, softening hardened arteries, lowering cholesterol content, and dilating capillaries, making blood circulation smooth, reducing cholesterol levels, lightening the burden on the heart, keeping blood pressure normal, and removing “toxins” from the blood.

4. How is Aloe vera planted?

1. Planting time. Both spring planting (March-May) and autumn planting (September-November) are suitable, especially planting from the Spring Equinox to Qingming is best.

2. Planting specifications. Sandy loam soil with good drainage, not prone to hardening, and not prone to water accumulation should be selected for planting. The plant-row spacing is generally 40 cm × 50 cm; when planting in poor sandy land, the plant-row spacing is 30 cm × 40 cm.

3. Planting method. Before planting, the garden plot requires two plowings and three harrowings, with a plowing depth of 15-20 cm. Apply 2000-2500 kg of decomposed organic fertilizer and 20-30 kg of compound fertilizer per mu. The base fertilizer should be applied within 15 cm of the topsoil, and it is strictly forbidden to apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer alone. Form beds 1 m wide, 10-15 cm high, and 15-20 m long. Before transplanting, spread a layer of pine leaf soil or peat soil on the bed surface, then properly plow and level it. Before transplanting, both the seedling bed land and the transplanting land should be irrigated first, and after the topsoil is slightly dry, the seedlings should be lifted and planted. After transplanting, press the soil around the young seedlings firmly, water thoroughly to settle the roots, then cover with dry soil and shade promptly.