Aloe Vera Plant Care Guide
Background
Not only does the Aloe vera plant have numerous healing properties, it is also a great plant to have in your nursery. Commonly, most people have used aloe vera as an immediate relief to treat minor burns. This succulent is great for beginner plant parents who are afraid of watering commitments.
Common Types of Aloe Vera
There are about 500 species of aloe in the Asphodelaceae Family. Two of the rarest variations of aloe vera include, the aloe purple haze and aloe hercules. Below are some of the more common varieties of aloe vera.
Sansevieria trifasciata
Sansevieria cylindrica
Sunlight Requirements
Aloe vera require a minimum of 6 hours of bright light. This ensures your aloe vera plant maintains its attractive shape. Place your aloe vera plant near a south or west facing window. If your home does not have ample natural light, consider buying white artificial light. If you are keeping your aloe vera plant outdoors, place your pot in an area that receives bright direct light.
Humidity Requirements
Aloe vera plants are native to the drier climates of Africa, Aisa, and Europe, so it is important to keep your aloe plant in a controlled dry environment if it is placed indoors. Keep the humidity levels in your house to about 40%. If you place your aloe plant outdoors, worry less about the humidity and heat and the plant can handle it. Aloe vera plants are succulents and are already good at retaining moisture in its stems.
Temperature Requirements
Aloe vera plants temperature preference is between 55 and 85° F. If you live in an area that temperatures drop below 50 degrees, consider bringing in your aloe plant indoors during the colder months. Make sure that this change is NOT sudden, but gradual. Each day move your aloe plant closer and closer to the door until it is in its resting place for the winter months.
Watering Requirements
Aloe vera plants do not require a lot of water. Never allow your aloe plant to sit still in water for an extended period of time. It requires a well draining soil. Never allow the soil to completely dry out. In hotter months, water after really hot periods, and in the winter time, check the soil to see if watering is required.
Soil Requirements
The perfect soil mix for aloe vera is composed of perlite, sand, coconut husk, and pumice. The soil should be well draining with a pH of 7.0 to 8.5.
Are aloe vera plants succulents?
Yes, the aloe vera plant is a succulent. Its thick and juicy leaves are great at storing water.
Can I keep my aloe vera plant indoors or outdoors?
Susceptible Diseases & Pests
Aloe vera plants are susceptible to many pests and diseases, some of which include the following:
Snout Beetles
Gall Mites
Basel Stem Rot
Aloe Rust
Sooty Mold