How to grow potted aloe? The latest home care methods
For potted aloe, it is best to choose a clay pot with good air permeability. If you use a new pot, it should be soaked thoroughly with water; otherwise, after potting, watering will not easily penetrate the pot, and the half-dry, half-moist pot wall will damage new roots. If using an old flowerpot, the residual soil and moss should be scrubbed clean, then placed in the sun to dry before reuse, which can both increase the pot's air permeability and prevent pests and diseases.
The process of planting a strong aloe seedling into a flowerpot is called potting. Potting is the beginning of container growing, and whether this step is done well is closely related to the later growth and development of the potted aloe. Before potting, place a piece of broken tile at the bottom of the pot, pressing it over the drainage hole at the bottom, which can both maintain drainage and prevent the potting soil from leaking out. When potting, first place the aloe seedling upright in the center of the pot, try to let the root system spread out, fill in soil to cover the roots well, then gently lift the seedling upward a little and press it down slightly, so that the roots are in close contact with the potting soil above, below, left, and right, and firm the potting soil, and finally slowly water thoroughly into the pot. Newly potted aloe should be kept in a semi-shaded place for care, and after it has recovered from transplanting, move it to a sunny place; only after it has rooted can it receive more sunlight.
Aloe has an extremely strong tolerance for drought and will not die of dryness even if not watered for a long time, but its growth will be inhibited, the leaves will become shriveled and juiceless, and its usefulness will decrease. However, if watered excessively and the potting soil remains wet and shaded for a long time, the roots will rot, and eventually the plant will die. Therefore, it should be managed flexibly according to the plant's different growth and development stages and natural conditions. If the surrounding air humidity is high and the evaporation intensity is low, water less; if the air is dry, the temperature is high, and the air circulation is strong, water promptly to prevent the potting soil and leaves from losing water too quickly. In spring and summer, watering should be done in the early morning and evening, and in winter it should be done at noon. After watering, pay attention to loosening the soil to reduce water evaporation, which is beneficial for producing new roots.
The several pots of aloe in my home grow lush and green, making people happy to look at them. Every few days, I pick a leaf, and at night, after washing my face, I evenly apply the juice from the cut part of the aloe leaf to my face. Immediately there is a cool and comfortable enjoyment, without a thick, sticky, greasy feeling, and before going to sleep I wash it off with clean water. Over several years, my skin has become much more delicate than before. When relatives and friends see my aloe, they all ask me for some, and naturally I satisfy their requests.