How to Grow Aloe Vera? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Care Methods
The uses and value of aloe vera are remarkable, and the common products we see include aloe juice and aloe gel. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, beauty and skincare, as well as refreshing blood circulation and anti-aging effects. It can also be used to treat constipation, liver-fire headaches, and more. It can be eaten, used medicinally, and processed into health products and beauty products. So how do flower farmers grow aloe vera on a large scale? Today let us follow the flower farmers and learn the cultivation methods for aloe vera.
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
Aloe vera is suitable for growing in soil that is relatively loose, sufficiently fertile, and well-draining. The soil at the planting site may be slightly alkaline, but it must never be acidic. Soil with poor drainage and soil that easily becomes compacted is generally not suitable for aloe vera growth. Before preparing the land, spread sufficient organic fertilizer on the soil, or manure or urea will also do, then plow the land deeply and level it so there are no waterlogged areas. Then open furrows about 1.5 m wide, with the furrows interconnected to help with drainage and water flow.
2. Scientific Planting
Aloe vera is a plant that reproduces asexually, so when planting we generally use division propagation. First, we need to purchase relatively robust aloe seedlings for planting. If this is not the first time planting, you can directly go to an aloe planting site and plant some of the smaller aloe seedlings produced by the aloe plants. Planting is best done around rainy days, as aloe grown this way is especially easy to establish.
3. Reasonable Close Planting
We all know that aloe vera has strong reproductive capacity, so when planting it is necessary to control the density of the aloe. Also, after each set of 3 aloe plants grows up, there needs to be a certain amount of space. Generally, planting is done at a density of 40 to 50 cm between plants and 60 to 70 cm between rows. About a week after planting, check whether dead plants appear in the field, and if so, replant them promptly.
4. Fertilizer and Water Management
If you want the aloe you grow to be plump and tender and to obtain higher economic value, then fertilizer is essential. We need to fertilize according to the growth condition of the aloe. If the aloe leaves are relatively dry and withered, look lacking in moisture, appear especially old, and feel especially hard, then we need to fertilize reasonably according to the planting density, generally mainly using urea or manure water for irrigation or hole application. Aloe vera has a relatively low demand for water. If there is too much water in the field, it will cause the roots and stems of the aloe to rot, so we must drain water promptly. Generally, watering once every 7 to 10 days is sufficient.
5. Cultivation and Weeding
Aloe vera is suitable for growing in relatively loose soil, so during the planting process we will see flower farmers frequently going to the field to loosen the soil for the aloe and at the same time clearing the weeds in the field. This not only enhances the permeability of the soil, but also promotes the absorption of nutrients, allowing the aloe to grow better.
6. Reasonable Harvesting
We generally wait until the aloe has grown for a year before picking the aloe leaves for sale. If you do not want to wait a year before harvesting, you should at least wait until the aloe has grown 12 leaves before harvesting. Generally, harvest leaves that are relatively plump and smooth on the surface and have high leaf-flesh transparency. Only aloe leaves like these will sell for a higher price.