How to grow potted aloe? A detailed guide to home care methods
For potted aloe, it is best to choose a clay pot with good air permeability. If a new pot is used, it should be soaked thoroughly with water; otherwise, after potting, watering will not easily penetrate the pot, and a half-dry, half-moist pot wall will damage new roots. If an old flowerpot is used, the residual soil and moss should be washed clean, then dried in the sun before use, which can both increase the pot's air permeability and prevent pests and diseases.
The process of planting a strong aloe seedling into a flowerpot is called potting up. Potting up is the beginning of container cultivation, and whether this step is done well is closely related to the later growth and development of the potted aloe. Before potting up, place a piece of broken tile at the bottom of the pot, pressing it over the drainage hole at the bottom, which can both maintain drainage and prevent the potting soil from leaking out. When potting up, first place the aloe seedling upright in the center of the pot, let the root system spread out as much as possible, fill in soil to cover the roots well, then gently lift the seedling upward a little and press it slightly so that the roots are in close contact with the potting soil above, below, left, and right, and firm the potting soil, and finally slowly water thoroughly into the pot. Newly potted aloe should be kept in a semi-shaded place for care, then moved to a sunny place after it has recovered from transplanting, and only after it has rooted can it receive more sunlight.
Aloe has an extremely strong tolerance for drought and will not die of dryness even if not watered for a long time, but its growth will be inhibited, the leaves will become shriveled and juiceless, and its usefulness will decrease. If watered excessively, however, and the potting soil remains wet and shaded for a long time, the roots will rot, and eventually the plant will die. Therefore, it should be handled flexibly according to the different growth and development stages of the plant and the natural conditions. If the surrounding air humidity is high and the evaporation intensity is low, water less; if the air is dry, the temperature is high, and air circulation is strong, water in time to prevent the potting soil and leaves from losing water too quickly. In spring and summer, watering should be done in the early morning and evening, and in winter it should be done at noon. After watering, pay attention to loosening the soil to reduce water evaporation, which is beneficial for producing new roots.
The several pots of aloe at my home are grown lush and green, making me happy to look at and pleased in my heart. Every few days, I pick a leaf, and at night, after washing my face, I evenly apply the juice from the cut part of the aloe leaf to my face, and immediately there is a cool and comfortable enjoyment, without a thick, sticky, or greasy feeling, and before going to sleep I wash it off with clean water. After several years, my skin has become much more delicate than before. When relatives and friends see my aloe, they all ask me for some, and naturally I satisfy their requests.