What is the best way to grow aloe vera? A few practical cultivation tips for you
Many friends are not yet particularly familiar with aloe vera cultivation methods, and problems often arise when growing aloe vera. Today I will briefly introduce the cultivation methods of aloe vera for everyone, let's take a look together.
What is aloe vera
Aloe vera (scientific name: Aloe vera), of the genus Aloe, is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the Liliaceae family. Its leaves are clustered, large and thick, arranged in a rosette or growing at the top of the stem, and the leaves are often lanceolate or short and broad, with sharp tooth-like spines along the edges. The inflorescence is umbellate, racemose, spicate, paniculate, etc., in colors of red, yellow, or with reddish spots, with six petals and six pistils. The base of the perianth is mostly fused into a tube shape.
Aloe vera cultivation methods
1. Temperature
If you want aloe vera to grow fast enough, the cultivation methods are especially important. Choose a suitable temperature, 15°C to 35°C is fine. Like other green plants, aloe vera needs photosynthesis, so provide plenty of light; it is best to choose morning sunlight and avoid exposure to the midday sun.
2. Drainage
Aloe vera has a characteristic that needs attention in its cultivation methods. Aloe vera is afraid of waterlogging, so it needs to be grown in an environment with good drainage. Choosing sandy soil as the cultivation soil can promote the growth of aloe vera and will not cause breathing difficulty for its roots.
3. Season
The growth of any plant has seasonal changes, and the cultivation methods of aloe vera also include adapting to aloe vera in different seasons. Summer is a season when special attention must be paid to watering aloe vera. Although aloe vera is heat-tolerant, drought should also be avoided; water aloe vera appropriately and at the same time be careful not to overwater.
4. Fertilizing
Fertilizer is the best medicine for promoting plant growth and is one of the aloe vera cultivation methods; fertilizer is like a catalyst. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the basic fertilizers that aloe vera needs, along with requirements for some trace elements. Using fermented organic fertilizer can better ensure that aloe vera stays natural and green.
The effects of aloe vera
1. Detoxification and anti-inflammation. Aloe vera contains phenols, aloin, aloe tincture, organic acids, and other components. It has a certain killing effect on some pathogenic bacteria and viruses, and has a certain therapeutic effect on some respiratory and digestive tract inflammations, but for some diseases aloe vera must be used according to syndrome differentiation, and it must not be used blindly to avoid causing harm.
2. Strengthening the stomach and relieving constipation. Aloe vera can enhance gastrointestinal function, increase appetite, and strengthen the physique. Aloe vera can also purge and relieve constipation. Aloin can increase the secretion of digestive juices and promote intestinal peristalsis; generally, after taking it, a bowel movement can occur in 8-12 hours.
3. Supporting healthy qi and dispelling pathogenic factors. The mucopolysaccharides in aloe vera can do a good job of supporting healthy qi and dispelling pathogenic factors, improving the body's immunity and enhancing human immune function. For conditions such as tumors, high blood lipids, diabetes, hepatitis B, nephritis, and lupus erythematosus, eating an appropriate amount of aloe vera is greatly beneficial. Aloe vera can also resist aging, resist allergies, strengthen the heart, and promote urination, which is beneficial to the health of the elderly.
4. Beauty and skin care. Aloe vera has a good nutritional, moisturizing, and whitening effect on human skin. The gel contained in aloe vera can make skin and muscle cells contract, protect moisture, restore elasticity, and eliminate wrinkles. Aloe vera can treat facial acne and pimples, and whether taken internally or used externally, it has obvious effects.