Can Aloe Vera Absorb Formaldehyde? A Care Guide for Keeping Aloe Vera at Home
A care guide for the "formaldehyde-absorbing" aloe vera
Aloe is also known as lu hui, ne hui, xiang dan, nu hui and lao wei. Common varieties include Aloe vera (Curacao aloe), Aloe yuanjiangensis, Chinese aloe, Aloe variegata and Aloe ferox (Cape aloe). The aloe has lanceolate or short, broad, fleshy leaves clustered at the top of the stem or at the base, with serrated leaf margins and leaf colors ranging from green to blue-green and gray-green. The picture shows a potted aloe.
1. Environmental benefits
Under 24h of continuous lighting, aloe can absorb 90% of formaldehyde, and it also absorbs and kills toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide as well as harmful microorganisms. At night, aloe can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. "
2. Care guide
(1) Soil selection Aloe prefers loose, well-drained sandy loam rich in humus.
(2) Light and temperature Aloe likes warmth and plenty of sunlight, but dislikes direct sunlight and is not cold-tolerant; the suitable temperature is 15-25°C [Jishan Huayao].
(3) Watering During the growing season it needs plenty of water; when the top 1-2 cm of the potting soil is dry, water thoroughly once, but do not let water accumulate, and keep the potting soil slightly moist in winter.
(4) Fertilizing In spring and autumn, appropriately increase the amount and frequency of fertilizing; in summer, reduce the amount and frequency; in winter, stop fertilizing. Organic fertilizer is preferable, applied once every half month.
(5) Propagation Aloe is propagated by cuttings. Cut off healthy branches and leaves, place them in a shady spot until the wounds dry and shrink, then insert the branches and leaves into the growing medium and water regularly.
(6) Pruning After planting, once the aloe's tender roots sprout, cut off the part below the sprout; if the aloe grows too vigorously, cut off the surplus leaves to use as cuttings.
(7) Placement Aloe can be placed on a balcony, windowsill, desk or bedroom, and is also suitable for planting in a courtyard.