What are the cultivation methods and precautions for Aloe vera (Chinese aloe)?

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970 0 views

Many plant enthusiasts don't know how to cultivate Aloe vera, so today we'll discuss it. To grow it well, first give it suitable potting soil that must be loose and well-draining; second, provide it with the right temperature, ideally 15-35°C; then there's water, water it promptly but don't let the water be excessive; next is fertilizer, apply moderate topdressing during the growing period; finally, pay attention to timely weeding.

1. Potting soil

It doesn't have high requirements for potting soil; you just need to ensure good drainage and prevent the soil from compacting. After choosing the potting soil, we can add some ash cinders to it. If we give it potting soil with poor drainage, it will cause problems with root respiration, and most of the roots will rot. But we also can't give it too much sand, otherwise the water will drain away too quickly and it won't grow well either.

2. Temperature

It is actually very afraid of cold, so we must not place it somewhere below 0°C, otherwise it will get frostbitten. We had best let it grow at temperatures between 15 and 35 degrees; if absolutely necessary, it must be kept above 5 degrees, because at that temperature it will not grow.

In the north, we can use greenhouses to solve its winter suffering. In addition, from March to October, the temperature mostly stays within its suitable range, which means it grows especially fast during this period, so management work must be done well during this time.

3. Weeding

During its growing period, we should weed frequently, because only in this way can the soil be aerated and the consumption of nutrients by weeds be reduced, so that fertilizer conversion will proceed more smoothly. This way its roots will grow faster and its disease resistance will be greatly improved.

4. Watering

We had best keep the surrounding humidity between 45 and 85, because it needs water but cannot accept too much water. So if it is humid due to the season or there is a lot of rain, and we add more water at this time, its leaves will easily shrivel, the roots will rot, and then it will die.

But normally it still needs watering; especially in summer we should add more water, so that its yield will be relatively higher. Generally speaking, keeping our watering interval at 5 to 10 days is fine.

5. Fertilizer

Because the fertility of its soil will decline, we need to apply moderate topdressing. Generally speaking, the amount of fertilizer applied each time should not be too much, and its leaves must not be contaminated. If this happens, the leaves should be washed clean.

6. Harvesting

Because its leaves are very useful, when picking leaves we should note that those from plants over three years old are better. At this time we should start picking from the bottom, and be careful not to damage it.