What are the ways to keep aloe safe through the winter

Aloe is a multi-purpose plant that combines food, medicinal, cosmetic and ornamental uses, and it is often seen in daily life, so it is probably no stranger to everyone. Aloe is easy to grow, and it is placed on balconies in many homes, but as a tropical plant, aloe originates from the Mediterranean and Africa. It is highly heat-tolerant and drought-tolerant, but extremely cold-sensitive, so in winter aloe needs special care, otherwise it can easily be frostbitten or frozen to death. So if you want aloe to get through the winter safely, what exactly should be done?

First, we need to understand that the minimum temperature for plant growth is around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. If it is lower than this temperature, then its growth will enter a stagnant state. If the temperature is even lower, below 5 degrees, then the plant will easily be attacked by diseases. If the temperature continues to drop, below zero degrees, then it can easily be frozen to death. Because there are climate differences between the south and the north, the insulation methods in different regions also differ, and adjustments should be made according to the specific situation.

1. Temperature

The minimum temperature for aloe growth is 10--12 °C. In winter, aloe can be moved indoors, and on clear days when the temperature is higher, it can be placed in the sun for several hours and brought back before sunset; the aloe can also be covered together with its pot with transparent plastic film and overwintered on a balcony that is sheltered from the wind and faces the sun, and on clear days the film should be opened regularly for ventilation and air exchange.

2. Light

If aloe is kept for a long time in an environment with too little light or even no light, the aloe leaves will become lighter in color and become very tender and easy to break. Therefore, in winter, aloe should be given as much light as possible, and on clear days it should be taken out more often to bask in the sun.

3. Ventilation

While increasing light for aloe, attention should be paid to proper ventilation and air exchange, and especially do not let the soil become waterlogged.

4. Humidity

Aloe is especially drought-tolerant, and excessive soil moisture will cause aloe to die. In winter the temperature is low, and the soil does not dry easily, so do not water frequently; it is enough as long as it is not too dry.

5. Watering

The potting soil of aloe should be kept dry, watering once every 15-20 days, and when the weather is cold, the frequency of watering can be reduced or watering can be stopped. If it is grown indoors, water can be sprayed on the leaf surface.

6. Fertilizing

Aloe is best given organic fertilizer, with 1 additional application every 40-50 days in winter. Usually, a urea solution with a concentration not exceeding 2% is used for watering, and for foliar fertilizer, the concentration is best not exceeding 0.1%.

The above are the relevant care measures for growing aloe in winter. Make sure the temperature stays above 5 °C during the winter period, and aloe can overwinter safely. At this time aloe will hardly grow, but it will not be frozen to death. If the temperature is below 0 °C and no insulation measures are taken, the aloe leaves will quickly freeze, causing the aloe to die.