Aloe flower: features, cultivation and care. How to create conditions for the growth and flowering of aloe vera aloe and care for it

There is hardly a person who has not heard of Aloe at all. Basically, many people associate it with a remedy (it is often called simply “Doctor”), only a few with a flower, and for some only with a detergent. But everyone will be right, since we can meet descriptions of more than three hundred species of this plant. In our article we will talk about those that can be grown in indoor conditions, there are few of them:

• Aloe present  or Aloe vera
• A. soap
• A. motley or brindle
• A. treelike or agave
• A. frightening
• A. miniature

Aloe: proper care at home

In my opinion, this is the most unpretentious plant, like a weed. It can grow in such incredible conditions of "care", which is just amazing. But this is not only a plant, the healing properties of which are difficult to overestimate, but with proper care for it, it can also bloom, decorating your home comfort. I'm not exaggerating at all, look at the photo.

And if you do not already have this plant, but you decide to acquire it, use some tips:

Temperature and lighting

Everything is quite simple here. The plant is light-loving and heat-loving. Therefore, it can be placed (and need) in a warm and bright place. BUT! Bust with the amount of light and heat is no less harmful to aloe, as well as for other indoor plants. Of course, the upper permissible limit of these home care parameters is somewhat higher than for most plants, but it is also undesirable to exceed it. The most comfortable temperature for this plant is considered to be the temperature within + 22-26 degrees. This is summer. In winter, the room temperature is also quite suitable for him, but aloe is quite capable of withstanding a significant drop in temperature (up to +10 degrees). As for lighting, bright diffused light is preferred. It is scattered, although direct sunlight is allowed for some time, it is necessary to shade the plant from the sultry midday rays. A good place to put aloe can be windows with a weak southern orientation (southeast, southwest), and of course, east and west. In general, in summer, the best place for this indoor plant is in the fresh air.

Breeding aloe

Since the plant is very unpretentious, it breeds aloe vera very easily. First, the basal system gives a lot of children, which can be separated during transplants. Secondly, the stem can be separated from the top of the plant. Then put the baby in the water, you can in a glass. And when the roots appear, plant in a separate pot. It is possible to propagate aloe and seeds, but this is already quite troublesome and seedlings need constant highlighting (similar to the cultivation of cacti from seeds).

Aloe vegetation

An adult plant, after a certain time, needs a transplant. Enough once every three years. Young Aloe is desirable to transplant in a year in a looser pot. By the way. Adult plants, over time, overgrown with children, which during transplantation and can be deposited.

The soil.  Of course, you can also use the soil for succulents from the store, but you can also cook it yourself. For this we take:

• some fine claydite to the bottom (or vermiculite)
• 2 pieces of clay-leaf earth
• 1 part sheet
• 1 part of sand
• some peat
• some wood or activated carbon

Watering and feeding

Of course, aloe can be quite a long time without watering, but it should not be misused. Water your pet once a week in the summer and once a month in the winter. You can spray with a spray. Do not place under the strong and scorching rays of the sun. As they say: everything is good in moderation! And during the period of active growing season it would be nice to feed your pet, for example, with mineral fertilizer.

Diseases and difficulties of growing aloe

What should not be done for aloe, so it diligently watered. From overflow can root the plant roots, it will be noticeable on the pale and fading leaves. But if you have ordered watering, and the flower is still unsightly, then you need to remove it from the pot, remove the rotten roots and transplant it. If everything is already very neglected, take just a healthy process of aloe and “educate” it again.

Too strong ultraviolet light also has a detrimental effect on aloe: its leaves shrink and redden. It is not enough light: the stalk is pulled out, and leaves shrink.

If your pet has stopped growing, and the leaves have turned yellow, it is not autumn, it is most likely they say: “hard” soil - replace it and the plant will thank you!

Types of homemade aloe. A photo.

Aloe present orAloe Vera. Here it is a familiar name, which we found in detergents and cosmetics. This type of plant grows with rosettes, it can be said without a trunk.

Aloe soap. But this species also blooms.  The outlet has a small sturdy stem.

Aloe motley or brindle.   Some lovers may be surprised to learn that it is also an aloe, seeing it during the flowering period.

Aloe vera grows well in urban apartments with proper care, and in some cases even blooms successfully. But, like any plant, it requires attention, so it is important to know the rules for growing this flower at home.

Aloe Vera - type description

Aloe vera means "Aloe True". The Latin word aloe translates as “bitter”, Greek άλός - salt (the sap of a plant resembles sea water), Arabic alloeh - a substance with a pronounced bitter taste.

Aloe as a medicine has been accompanying man for four thousand years. This is confirmed by the cuneiform on the Sumerian tablets, dating from 2100 BC. er However, the image of this plant was found on the walls of ancient Egyptian temples, built 4 thousand years BC.

Everything, including the appearance and biological features of Aloe itself, suggests that the plant first appeared in hot and arid Africa, and then spread to all other continents. In the wild, it is found in the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, Canary Islands, North Africa.

Aloe vera forms a shrub with a short stem. The roots are poorly developed. The leaves are long (up to 60 cm), fleshy, covered with spines at the edges. Many mistakenly call this succulent a cactus, as it can also accumulate and maintain water supplies. Thanks to this ability, Aloe Vera has experienced severe climate change on Earth and today still serves man. In extreme situations, the pores on the skin are closed, the leaves for a long time retain moisture.

In nature, there are 500 plant species, but only 5 of them are considered medicinal. Aloe Vera occupies a leading position in this top five, it brings the maximum benefit to man. Growing it is a profitable business. Whole plant plantations are planted, there are processing plants.

Today it is the only plant that treats burns from the strongest light radiation produced by an atomic explosion. Thus, the ancient natural remedy can be called a miracle of modernity.

Reproduction Methods for Aloe Vera

Rooting cuttings, leaves and tops

Planting materials are taken from different parts of the plant, but rooted in the same technology.

We breed kids (root shoots)

When kids are at the base of the mother plant — small plants 5–10 cm tall with 2-3 leaves, you can use them as planting material. There are two ways to separate those:

• remove the mother plant completely with the roots, shoots and ground from the pot, gently detach the kids along with the roots and plant the plants;
• carefully dig the shoots out of the pot, not doing the transfer of an adult plant and trying not to damage the roots.

We grow from seed

1. Preparing the soil: 1 part of leafy land (peat), 2 parts of sod land, 2 parts of river sand.
2. Seeds are sown in early spring. You can lightly sprinkle them with earth or just push them into the soil.
3. We carefully monitor the sowing, the sand should always be wet. The optimum germination temperature is 20 ºC.
4. When the first shoots appear, it is necessary to transfer the plant to a bright window or to highlight it with a fluorescent lamp.
5. In the phase of 2-3 leaves, dive into separate pots.

Aloe Vera seeds are easy to buy in stores that sell indoor plants.

How to transplant a houseplant?

An adult, newly rooted or young plant, which emerged from a seed, needs the same conditions, the difference is only in the size of the pot. An adult flower is moved when the roots completely fill the pot. Just purchased Aloe Vera should be given 3 weeks to adapt to a new place and only then be planted in another container.

Soil preparation

You can buy ready-made soil for cacti and succulents, or make your own a mixture of river sand, turf and leaf land, taken in equal proportions.

In addition to the soil mix, you will also need drainage: expanded clay or red brick chips.

Choosing the right pot

The pot should be not only beautiful, but also convenient for aloe vera. It is necessary to prepare in advance several containers - wider and deeper than the previous one. The expanded roots of the plant will need a larger pot, but a higher container will be useful for those who have gone deep. Sometimes the root system fills the entire space of the old tank and wraps itself in a ball. All this can be revealed only during the transfer, when it will be too late to run to the store.

The size of the new pot should be such that the aloe roots are located in it freely, and at least 3 cm to the walls.

Table: Comparison of plastic and clay containers

How to plant a flower

1. The day before planting the plant is watered abundantly.
2. Carefully remove the Aloe Vera from the old pot, lightly shake the ground, inspect the roots and determine what shape and size the pot needs.
3. We fill the new container with approximately 1/5 of expanded clay or broken brick. Sprinkle with a thin layer of soil.
4. We place the plant in a pot, keep it centered at such a height from the bottom so that the roots do not bend, and the stem starts about 2–3 cm below the upper edge of the container.
5. We begin to sprinkle the soil evenly, lightly tamping. It is better to do it together: one person holds the plant, the other falls asleep the roots of the earth.
6. We water. If the leaves hit the ground, then gently shake off or wash off with a damp cloth. Water during watering and rubbing should not fall on the outlet and accumulate inside, otherwise it can cause decay.
7. The first 2-3 days we protect the planted plant from bright light.

Video: Transplant with the separation of cuttings

Aloe vera care at home

1. Lighting. The plant came to us from sunny Africa, so it loves the light. Keep it on the window facing south. In the warm season they take out to the veranda, balcony or other bright room, but not filled with rains.
2. Temperature. Aloe vera grows well at room temperature (18–22ºC, maximum 30ºC). In winter, it is necessary either to reduce this indicator to 12–14ºC (minimum 10ºC) or to highlight it with a lamp.
3. Watering. Aloe watered moderately when the topsoil dries. Water should not fall on the leaves and drain into the outlet.
4. Air humidity. Dry air is preferred, it is not recommended to spray the plant.  If there is dust or dirt on the leaves, it is all removed with a damp cloth.
5. Feeding. Fertilizers are applied from March to October 1 time in 1-2 months. The stores sell integrated dressing recommended for all houseplants, as well as for cacti and succulents (FORTE, Good Power and others).

Aloe Vera is famous for its excellent drought tolerance and immunity to varying degrees of humidity; it is well tolerated in the winter heating season when the air in the apartments is very dry. But an excess of moisture can lead to decay of the outlet.

What if the plant starts to bloom?

In the wild, aloe vera throws a peduncle topped with a brush of orange tubular flowers. In the house or apartment to see the plant in all its glory is very difficult. To do this, it is necessary to create natural growing conditions: reduce and increase the length of the day, change the temperature and light. Sometimes flowering provokes a way out of the rest period.

How to organize a rest period?

In the autumn you need to stop feeding. Watering the plant is not every week, but twice a month, with the onset of winter they do it once in 30 days. Water should not saturate the soil, but only moisten it. Aloe Vera pot is removed away from the radiators on a bright and cool window sill (12–14 ºC).

In March, they transplant the plant into a new pot and gradually accustom it to the sun's rays: they take it out to a warm balcony, a veranda, and a window on the south side. First they move it for half an hour, the next day they clean it for an hour and so gradually increase the duration of the “sunbathing” to a whole daylight hours. Also, in the spring, they begin to make additional feeding and water it abundantly once a week.

Possible problems with growing

Table: Diseases

Table: Pests

Chemicals are harmful to humans, especially in enclosed spaces. Conduct treatment in an isolated room. When the drug is absorbed (the leaves dry), the plant can be carried to the place intended for it, and the room ventilated.

Remember your pets! Make sure that they do not enjoy the treated flowers. Poisons persist in leaves for up to two weeks.

Aloe Vera is a plant that exists on Earth for more than 4 thousand years. It retains its healing properties, even when grown on a windowsill. In order for this “home doctor” to be always at hand, it is necessary to create conditions optimal for him. Particularly caring owners of aloe vera pleases bloom.

Growing aloe vera at home does not present much difficulty. In order for the plant to grow and develop, you need to know a few secrets of its care, which we will discuss in this publication.

Lighting

Aloe vera care includes the right lighting. This plant is in great need of the sun, so it is advisable to put a pot with perennial on the southern windowsill. If the light is not enough, the flower will stretch out, it will become completely unattractive in appearance.

In the winter months, be sure to use additional lighting. When the sun begins to burn in the spring, it is better to remove the pot for a while in the shade so that there are no burns. Some growers cover their aloe vera with gauze or tulle.

In the summer, take a container with aloe to the balcony with the windows open so that the succulent gets its portion of ultraviolet light. Such procedures will allow the succulent to have a thick stem and a fleshy leaf. This means that your perennial will be less likely to break.

Temperature conditions

Growing aloe at home involves the observance of temperature. This perennial may be kept at room temperature, but it can and should sometimes be taken out on the covered balcony and in the summer months. The main thing is that the succulent does not fall precipitation, and it was protected from drafts.

The plant will grow well and multiply at a temperature of 18 to 30 ° C in the warm season and up to 10 ° C (preferably 14 ° C) - in the cold. In winter, the perennial home rests, so the coolness does not hurt him. The main thing is to keep the temperature constant. If it is not possible to find a cool place with just such indicators, then maintain the summer temperature with a lamp.

Air humidity

Speaking about the humidity of the air, nothing special needs to be done in this direction. The desert inhabitant prefers dry air, so caring for him does not imply spraying. If you ignore this condition, can begin to rot rhizomes. If dust or dirt appears on the sheet plates, you can wipe them with a damp cloth.

In order to grow this succulent, it is not enough just to create the necessary conditions, the plant will require some simple, but regular care.

Video "How to grow aloe vera at home"

In this video, the expert will share the secrets that will help grow a chicken and meaty aloe vera on your windowsill.

Properly care

Watering and feeding

Care for perennial is easy. Let's start with watering and fertilizing. Leafy plates with juicy pulp retain moisture well, so do not dry for a long time. Too much moisture can cause the tips of the leaves to turn yellow. For this reason, frequent watering is not required. In the summer - once a week, and the rest of the time - when the land in the tank becomes dry.

Watering should be separated with water, the temperature of which is a couple of degrees higher than the temperature in the room. In the autumn and winter months, contact with liquid should be kept to a minimum.

Now let's talk briefly about fertilizer.

The scion, only transplanted, does not need to be fed for six months. For plants that have been planted in a pot for a long time, use bi-feeds every two weeks. This should be done from May to September. Before the procedure, the soil is slightly moistened. Top dressing is diluted in water and poured the mixture into the pan, where they put the pot with perennial.

In winter, succulent does not need additional feeding, because it is at rest.

Trimming and shaping

Aloe grows rapidly and successfully throws green leaves, so the plant needs a delicate pruning. First of all, you need to regularly remove damaged areas and excess processes. The procedure is carried out with a sharp knife or garden shears. During pruning, healthy leaves are also removed so that the plant does not grow, hanging from the pot.

Try not to cut the leaves, which are tight to the main stem. Be sure to remove wilted flowers. Lateral shoots-kids are also removed, they can be planted in new pots.

Transplantation and reproduction

The plant has strong roots and needs regular transplantation. In the first three years of growth, aloe is replanted once a year, as the indoor flower grows intensively. Each time the size of the pot increases. Then the procedure is done less often, once every 3-4 years.

Each landing is accompanied not only by replacing the pot, but also by a complete replacement of the soil. In the prepared pot put claydite on the bottom. Drainage will not let the roots rot. Top sprinkle on the finished substrate, which can be bought at a flower shop.

The flower is pulled out of the old container along with an earthy clod, having previously watered so that it is easier to remove. From the roots gently shake off the old soil, place it on the prepared earthen pillow and gently straighten the roots. The transplanted plant is not watered for 5 days to allow it to take root.

For the breeding of succulents use root processes and cuttings. Planting material for breeding houseplant aloe vera may be different, but rooted it the same way.

Cut the stalk or leaf with a sharp knife and place the planting material for 24 hours in a dark place, after having processed the sections with charcoal. The top of the head is separated so that it has 6–7 leaves. Then the processes are immersed in wet sand 1 cm deep.

After two weeks, the flower takes root, new green leaves appear on it, and it grows. When kids appear at the base, you can propagate aloe, using them as planting material. Children are carefully separated from the parent plant, then they can be seated in separate pots. Thus, succulent can, using root shoots.

It so happens that the top of the head has broken at home aloe vera. Do not worry, it can be rooted above as described, and the plant will successfully grow and develop.

We protect from diseases and pests

In order to notice the signs of the disease or visiting the plant by pests in time, you should regularly inspect the flower.

The shitovka is cleaned with a cloth moistened with alcohol, and then the plant is irrigated with an insecticide. If the succulent has visited the spider mite, the plant should be brought to fresh air and treated with insecticide and the room ventilated.

Such a disease, like dry rot, is almost impossible to detect, as it does not detect anything. It is as if the flower starts to dry out from within and cannot be saved. Proper care will help to avoid infection: you need to choose the right soil and provide drainage.

Aloe (Aloe) in Greek means "bitter". This is a common indoor plant belonging to the genus Succulent, originally from Madagascar. Due to its healing properties, aloe is actively used in traditional medicine and cosmetology. In addition, it may be contained as an ornamental plant. Aloe is one of the least demanding on the care of plants, but there are a number of rules that must be followed.

Show all

  Types of homemade aloe

In total there are about 500 varieties of aloe, including wild and hybrid plants. In the wild, aloe is a shrub plant that reaches 6 to 8 meters in height. Despite the fact that initially aloe vera grew up in a hot dry climate, the succulent grows well at home. Most often, grassy specimens of much more modest dimensions can be observed in apartments and houses than their wild relatives. There are other varieties of this houseplant.

Aloe is a short stem or stem, which produces thick, sword-shaped leaves, which are collected in sockets and arranged in a spiral. The length of the leaves of some species reaches 60 cm. The leaves can be smooth or covered with spines and cilia, depending on the variety. The flesh of the leaves is divided by cells in which moisture is retained during prolonged droughts. During flowering, a long arrow is produced from the rosette of leaves, at the end of which there is a spike-shaped flower with tubular petals. The color of the petals is white, purple, yellow or orange.

Name of the variety	Description
Aloe vera (agave)	The most common indoor aloe with a large green mass. The leaves are sword-shaped, green, the surface is velvety, along the edges are soft thorns. The length of the leaves is about 30 cm. The height of the agave sometimes reaches 1 m. With proper care, the plant lives for about 20 years.
Aloe vera (aloe vera)	Used in the culinary and cosmetic industry. It grows in the form of lush rosettes, the stem of the plant is mild. The leaves are grayish-green, the surface is slightly grooved
Tiger Aloe (motley)	The plant is valued for the original appearance, often used as a decorative. Height up to 30 cm, the leaves are wide, triangular in shape, dark green in color with white transverse stripes. In the summertime it may bloom with yellow, red or pink buds.
Aloe awesome	Large plant with thick fleshy leaves. The surface of the sheets is covered with numerous strong spikes of red-brown color. Despite the unpleasant appearance, the juice of this flower is actively used in pharmacology and cosmetology.
Aloe soap	A nice looking flower. The wide leaves form a rosette, which, in turn, is mounted on a small strong stalk. The leaves are dark green in color with numerous white specks, with brownish spikes on the edges. Blooms yellow, orange, red and pink flowers
Aloe spinous	A miniature bush plant. The leaves are connected in a large basal rosette, gray-green with white splashes, on the edges there is a white jagged border, at the end forming an awn. Blooms orange-red tubular flowers



  Growing aloe at home

The procedure for growing and caring for aloe is quite simple. It goes without moisture and fertilizing for a long time due to its ability to retain water and nutrients in the leaf cells.

However, for the proper growth and development of this flower, it is necessary to follow certain rules, regardless of whether the plant serves as a decoration at home or is grown for medicinal purposes.





  Choosing a place

Like many houseplants, aloe needs enough sunlight. For this reason, the place for him should be as lit as possible. Usually, aloe is located near windows that face the south, southeast, or southwest.

In winter, the flower is well tolerated by the lack of light and does not need additional lighting. In the summer, the plant can be moved to the veranda or balcony, fresh air will help him to harden and strengthen. But at the same time the flower must be protected from drafts. It is important to remember that the scorching sun can damage aloe, so on hot summer days, especially in the afternoons, it is advisable to leave the plant in the shade.



  Temperature conditions

In the summer, aloe feels great at a temperature that is comfortable for all occupants of the room and does not need special conditions. The average summer temperature for a room with a plant is from +22 to +26 degrees.

In winter, the flower is at rest, for proper development it is sent to a room with a temperature of +12 to +15 degrees. Cooling below +10 degrees adversely affects the state of the plant.

  Watering

Despite the fact that aloe can be without moisture for a long time, the plant must be watered regularly in order to keep it healthy. But it is important not to overdo it, since excessive watering can cause rotting of the root system.

The main reference point for irrigation is the soil moisture in which the flower grows. The dried up top layer of the substrate is a signal that the plant needs moisture. In summer, an average of 1-2 waterings per week is enough. In winter, one watering per month is sufficient and only on condition that the earth lump dried completely.

Water for irrigation should be at room temperature, separated, in the process it is important to ensure that water does not fall into the outlet. It is necessary to empty the drain pan after watering. Some gardeners recommend, instead of the traditional method of watering with water, to lower the plant pot into the water for 10 minutes and then return it to the empty pan. This helps to avoid rotting of the root system and prevent moisture from entering the outlet.

Sprays are made only in the summer, the sprayer should be at a maximum distance from the leaves. This procedure can be replaced with a neat rubbing of the leaves with a damp cloth, and it will also help to remove dust from them.

  Top dressing

Aloe needs regular feeding during the active growing season - from April to September. As a fertilizer, special mixtures for succulents are used. Feed the plant must be monthly, in accordance with the instructions on the package.

It is important to know that it is better to apply less fertilizer than to “overfeed” the flower. Excess fertilizing negatively affects the condition of the plant.

  Transfer

Aloe vegetation is made in the spring time, when the rest period of the plant is over. Young flowers under the age of 5 years are transplanted annually, adult plants need to be transplanted every 2-3 years. The volume of the new pot should be 20% more than the previous one.

As a soil for plants suitable soil for succulents from a specialized store.  Also used independently prepared substrate. For its manufacture will need a sheet, turf soil and sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. You can add charcoal, peat and clay soil.



The aloe vegetation process is as follows:

1. 1. At the bottom of the pot is placed drainage, the role of which will fit shards, pebbles or expanded clay. Sometimes the drainage is covered from above with a layer of sand, and then the substrate is filled up so that the pot is half full.
2. 2. The plant must be carefully inspected, remove the yellowed leaves and young shoots, cut the sections with coal. After that, the flower is carefully removed from the old pot along with an earthy ball. If a tree has two trunks of aloe, the plants are carefully divided and planted in different pots.
3. 3. Young plants gently rid of the earthy coma, trying not to damage the root system. Adult plants are transplanted along with the earthy ball. Aloe is placed in a new pot, sprinkled with substrate, gently squeeze the bush for best contact with the soil. The soil should be 1.5-2 cm below the edge of the pot. After transplanting, the flower should be watered around the edge of the pot.

  Breeding

There are several ways to breed aloe.   Thanks to them, you can grow a plant yourself or increase the number of succulents at home:

1. 1. Propagation by seed. Seeds are planted from late March to early April. Small containers are filled with a mixture of leaf earth, turf and sand in a ratio of 2: 2: 1, you can add a little charcoal and brick chips. A year later, the sprout is transplanted. It is important to avoid excessive moisture in order to avoid rotting of the roots. This method of landing requires frequent highlighting with a special lamp.
2. 2. Reproduction by cuttings. This method is used at any time of the year, but spring and summer is preferable. Sunlight and heat will help the germ to quickly take root. After cutting from the mother plant, the cutting is left for 1-2 days, allowing the shear to dry. After that, the cut is treated with coal. Planted stalk in a container with wet sand to a depth of 1 cm, after which the sand is regularly moistened, preventing drying. After a week, the root system is formed, and the sprout is transplanted into a 7 cm high pot.
3. 3. Propagation by the tips of the shoots and basal process. After cutting, the sprout is left for 2-3 days, after which it is dipped into a container with water or planted in wet sand to a depth of 3-4 cm. Sometimes the sprouts are tied with pegs, if necessary. After rooting, the plant is transplanted and looked after as an adult flower.



  Pruning

To keep the flower neat and contribute to healthy development, it is necessary to regularly cut some leaves. They can take away nutrients from the main plant and cause diseases and pests.

In flowering aloe varieties, it is important to remove flowers in a timely manner. This should be done immediately after flowering, before the seeds form in the flower. Due to this, the nutrients and moisture produced by the plant will be directed to the growth and development of the leaves, while maintaining an attractive appearance.

To maintain a healthy plant, young shoots must be removed in time. They take away most of the nutrients from the parent plant. Removal is done when the shoots reach 10 cm in height. It is usually sufficient to simply gently pull the germ out of the soil. If you can not do this without damaging the main plant, aloe is removed from the pot and gently separate the parent and child roots.

When using aloe for medicinal purposes, it becomes necessary to cut off individual leaves. It is important to do it correctly, so as not to harm the main plant. To cut, choose the outer leaves, because they contain the maximum amount of pulp and healing juice. Cut the leaves with a sharp knife at the base at ground level. The spikes from the sheet can be cut with a knife. If part of the sheet remains unused, it can be stored in a sealed bag in the refrigerator until the next use.

Moving aloe to a lighted place or highlighting a lamp Yellowed leaves, cessation of growth Heavy soil, lack of air in the root system Extraction of a plant from heavy soil, removal of damaged roots and processing with coal, then transplanting to lighter soil or a special substrate with a high sand content. After transplantation, the plant is not watered for 3 days. Brown spots on the back of the sheet Shchitovka Insects are removed with a cloth moistened with alcohol, after which the plant is treated with vinegar or an insecticide for succulents. Brown-red or yellow-gray color of the stem, the appearance of a fine web on the plant Spider mite Removing cobwebs, spraying with alcohol solution or garlic tincture. In the absence of effect - the use of chemicals, for example, "Neoron", "Fitoverma", "Aktellika", "Rogora". With frequent use, drugs need to be changed. Cotton or downy patches on the surface of the plant Mealybug Removal of insects with a brush or tweezers, treatment of affected areas with garlic tincture. After treatment, the plant is cleaned in a shading place for 4 days. With severe lesions use "Phosbecid", "Intavir", "Fufanon", "Decis" and "Aktellik"

Aloe vera is a frequent guest on home window sills. People actively use it and the ability to disinfect the air. Cultivation consists in the proper and timely implementation of procedures for the care and reproduction, as well as maintaining favorable conditions for its development. Florists give some tips on these issues, with photo and video instructions.

Features of the plant. Basics of growing at home

The plant aloe vera and its properties, people appreciated before our era. Its initial range is the central part of Africa and the island of Madagascar. Today aloe has spread around the world. This is not surprising, because the succulent is completely unpretentious to the composition of the soil and is almost not capricious to care. At home, it grows even on volcanic ash, as well as on rocks and stones, desert sand, thickets.

In the wild form of aloe vera grows up to 3 m. People have cultivated a grassy plant and grown on plantations to collect for medicinal purposes. The flower looks like a cactus. It has fleshy oblong leaves with teeth along the edge.

Aloe Vera - a plant with healing properties

Blooms tube-shaped flowers, collected in the brush. In the natural environment - every 2-3 seasons, in a room setting - much less: once in 10-20 years, usually in spring or summer. After flowering, seed boxes appear on the stems, but they rarely mature in room format. Proper care of this herbaceous crop is:

• ensuring an adequate level of lighting;
• maintaining a favorable temperature;
• regular watering and feeding.

How to plant and transplant aloe

On sale a flower is easy to find. Just remember that in specialized stores you are most likely to sell aloe in a small pot. Therefore, he will need a transplant. Determining whether a potted plant is cramped is not difficult in appearance:

• leaves have grown more than 2 times compared with the diameter of the pot;
• aloe stops growing;
• in the container is closely woven root ball, the earth in which is almost invisible.

Attention! Aloe vera grows quickly, so it needs to be transplanted to a larger pot at least once every 2 years.

The plant is usually planted in a regular pot. Desirable wide, but shallow. Well, if it is ceramic, because clay has the ability to divert excess moisture. Equip a drainage layer at least 2 cm thick at the bottom. This will prevent the accumulation and stagnation of water at the root.

Transplantation of young aloe

Before using the pot should be prepared:

1. Wash the container with cooled and soapy boiled water.
2. Calcify in the oven for disinfection. Only relevant for ceramics. In the case of plastic, the pot is washed with hot soapy water.
3. It is also advisable to soak the ceramic pot for an hour in a solution of superphosphate.

Council Aloe vera is unstable and can easily fall on its side when an unsuccessful landing. Flower growers are fixed succulent, fixing it with 2-3 pebbles at the exit point of the aboveground part.

As a soil for aloe vera, a cactus mix from the store will do. You can prepare the substrate and independently, mixing 30% of turf and sheet soil and 15% of coarse sand and humus. The soil can be enriched with charcoal. But the peat is undesirable, because your task is to make a slightly acidic soil. Land should be completely renewed during each transplant.

Nuances for choosing a place and lighting for aloe vera

The houseplant needs an abundance of light at any time of the year. The optimal location in the apartment - on the south or south-east side. But do not immediately put it under direct sunlight, otherwise the leaves will burn. Young aloe is taught to this mode of lighting gradually. Alternate short sunbathing with stay under gauze, tulle or any other filter fabric. Every spring, the procedure for adapting to the bright sun is best repeated: during the winter, the plant can break the intensity of the intense and aggressive light.

Council In winter, it is desirable to organize additional artificial lighting. With insufficient light, the bush will begin to stretch.

Despite room status in a midland setting, aloe vera loves fresh air. Therefore, in the summer flower growers are recommended to take it to the loggia or balcony and place it by the open window. Succulents will also receive a portion of the ultraviolet from the sun, which does not pass through ordinary window glass. In the autumn you will be pleased with the plant that has got stronger and filled with juice.

Aloe unpretentious to the conditions

Optimum climatic conditions. Top dressing and watering aloe vera

This succulent is undemanding to temperature. It grows with strong humidity and in a dry atmosphere, with high heat and cool - that is, in the climate of most homes. The main thing is not to be very cold. If in the summer you move the plant to the balcony, make sure that it is not in a draft and it does not rain. In late autumn, it is advisable to find a cool room for aloe. At + 14 ... 15 ° С, succulent will perfectly transfer winter.

Watering aloe vera should be moderate. Keep the top layer of earth in a slightly damp state. In winter, water is cut in half. It is important that in the process of watering it does not fall on the plant - it will cause rotting green mass. Water under the root.

Council Fertilize aloe vera when the succulent is in the active growth phase, from March to October. Use liquid mineral dressing. Make them 2 times a month.

How to breed aloe vera

At home, this is possible in several ways:

Growing aloe vera in room conditions is easy. Almost all procedures need succulent only in spring and summer. The rest of the time, the plant will be completely satisfied with the minimum conditions and care.