Aloe vera has recently become very popular and can be grown at home. It not only looks very nice, but also has healing properties. This quality was noticed for this plant for a long time. This succulent is valued as a source of volatile production that disinfects the air.

In addition, its leaves are used not only in traditional medicine, but also in traditional, as well as in cosmetology. Therefore, in order for this plant to benefit, you need to properly grow and care for it.

Plant characteristic

Homeland aloe vera   - Central Africa, but now it has spread around the world. It is completely indifferent to the composition of the soil and can grow even on volcanic ash. For medicinal purposes, its breeding is carried out on special plantations.

Aloe blooms in small flowers in the form of tubes, which are collected in the brush. Under natural conditions, flowering occurs once every 2-3 years, and at home it happens very rarely - once every 10-15 or even 20 years, mostly in spring and summer.

How to grow and care for aloe?

Care at home for this plant does not represent any difficulties. It adapts well to various conditions. In order for succulent to grow well, it is necessary to ensure the following conditions:

  • good lighting;
  • optimum temperature;
  • correct watering;
  • top dressing.

Let us examine them in more detail.

Landing and lighting

Before you plant aloe, you need to prepare a container for it. It should be a ceramic pot, because the clay absorbs excess moisture well. It should be put high drainageto prevent moisture stagnation. Since this plant is rather unstable and often collapses to the side, it should be fixed as much as possible when planting. For this purpose, several pebbles are placed in a container and pressed tightly against the base of aloe. It helps him grow straight.

Caring for this healing plant involves applying the proper lighting. It is very fond of the sun, so it is recommended to keep it on the windows facing the south or southeast. With a lack of light, it begins to be drawn out., and in the winter time use additional lighting. In the spring, when the sun begins to burn more and more strongly, the plant should first be applied to avoid burns. This should be done for about a week, using tulle or gauze for shading, filtering bright sunlight.

In the summer, it must be taken out onto the open balcony in order to obtain the required dose of ultraviolet radiation, which does not let through the window glass. Due to this, the plant has a more powerful stem and thick leaves.

Temperature and watering

In summer, aloe vera can be kept at room temperature. If there is such an opportunity, it can put on a terrace or balcony and put in a place where it does not fall precipitation and there is no draft. In winter, the succulent is at rest and at this time it should be moved to a cool place with a temperature of +14 degrees.

Home care for aloe includes proper irrigation, which should be moderate. This should be done as the topsoil dries. As soon as the cold weather comes, watering is halved. The soil should always be slightly moist. Water the plant should be in such a way that water does not fall into the outlet with the leaves, as this will cause rotting of the trunk.

Top dressing

This succulent needs additional feedings that need to be done from early spring to mid-autumn, taking a break until next spring. Usually mineral fertilizers are used for this.

Aloe Vera Breeding Methods

This plant propagates in the following ways:

  • seeds;
  • apical shoots;
  • grafting;
  • understory

If seeds are used for reproduction, then this procedure should be carried out in early spring. As soon as they mature, they must be sown in small containers, which are filled with a soil mixture of sod, leaf soil and sand in a ratio of 1: 1: 2. Once seedlings germinate and mature, they should be transplanted into another container   with the same soil composition. For each grown plants used a separate pot. To the soil was nutritious and loose, add charcoal and brick chips to it.

In the future, care for young plants is moderate watering, carried out regularly. A year later, they are transplanted into larger containers. Care for them in the same way as for adult specimens.

Propagation by cutting is also quite an effective method and can be carried out all year round, but preferably in spring and summer. Healthy and ripe shoots are cut into pieces 10 cm long and put in a shaded place to dry, and the places of the cuts should be powdered with charcoal powder. Cuttings should be planted in well-moistened sand to a depth of 1-2 cm and at a distance of 5 cm from each other. When the first roots appear, it is necessary to increase the intensity of irrigation. A week later, the shoots are seated in a separate pot.

Many people prefer to propagate aloe at home using apical cuttings and shoots formed at the base of the shoots. After cutting the cuttings, they should tweak a little, then they are deepened in the soil substrate   2 cm and tied to a support. Further care should be to ensure optimum temperature (+18 degrees) and regular spraying. After the cuttings are well rooted, they should be watered as adult plants.

How to plant aloe?

Sooner or later, this succulent must be seated so that it always looks good. For adult plants, such a procedure should be carried out once every 3-4 years, for young plants - once every 2 years. Aloe should be planted in a larger pot, on the bottom of which a drainage is laid and the substrate is poured on top. Then from the old pot gently shake out the succulent, and gently scrape the ground from the root. Very carefully, the plant is placed in a cooked pot, filling the root system with a substrate.

What problems may arise during cultivation?

At home, the cultivation of aloe can be accompanied by various problems and most often they occur due to improper care.

If you moisten the plant too much, then its leaves will become pale and sluggish after a while. It may also begin to rot stem and root system. Flooded flower follows transplant in a new pot that has dry soil, before carefully examining its roots and removing the rotten.

Due to the lack of sunlight, aloe can rise sharply, which makes it look very ugly. To compensate for the lack of lighting necessary lamps of artificial light.

With low air humidity, the leaves on the tips turn brown. Although this plant does not react at all to a change in this indicator, the room should be aired regularly.

Flower does not like drafts and does not tolerate low temperatures. During ventilation, it should be protected from this.

In addition to these problems, aloe at home can affect various pests, such as:

To combat them, various chemicals are used.

The shield can be removed with a cloth dipped in alcohol. Aloe is then irrigated with an insecticide. The main thing is time to notice that dark brown spots were formed on the upper side of the sheet.

If a spider mite appears, the succulent must be brought to fresh air or the room must be aerated. It is also often used insecticide.

Such a fleeting disease, like dry rot, does not manifest at all. The affected plant begins to dry out from within and cannot be saved. Proper care, well-chosen soil and good drainage help prevent its formation.

Thus, we found out that aloe vera is a rather unpretentious plant, the care and cultivation of which is not difficult. But at the same time need to adhere to certain rules, timely pay attention to the change in the appearance of such a flower to identify diseases and possible pests.

Medicinal plant Aloe vera   or, Aloe vera, also called Aloe barbados. Easy to grow indoor plant. Aloe has been known since antiquity; the mention of the plant was contained on Sumerian clay tablets, subsidized 3,000 years BC. Alexander the Great reportedly recommended giving leaves to wounded soldiers so that the wounds of soldiers healed faster. The plant probably comes from the Arabian Peninsula, where it spread to the Mediterranean regions. Later the flower was brought to America. At the beginning of the 16th century, aloe vera was intensively grown on the island of Barbados, so succulent is sometimes incorrectly called Aloe Barbados. This is a perennial succulent, belongs to the Asphodeal family. It grows 50 cm tall, forms numerous leaf processes. Growing in groups. Leaf rosette with a diameter of 60 cm. The leaves are fleshy, 40-50 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, laid one above the other in the socket. The leaves are light green with whitish or greenish spots, pointed with a serrated edge. Yellow-orange flowers appear from a flower rosette on a flowering shoots up to 50 cm long.

Care

The flower is easy to grow. Put the plant pot in a bright place, preferably on the windowsill, do not water it too much. It grows quickly, so it is worth buying smaller copies.

Aloe vera contains 150 biologically substances, the leaves are used without pretreatment, for example, in case of light skin wounds. The sheet is cut in half, put pulp to the wound. The pulp has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, accelerates wound healing, and is used for cosmetics and medicines.

Growing up

The flower prefers a lighted spot, specimens with young leaves grow better when they are not exposed to direct sunlight, because of strong illumination the leaves turn red. The flower fits dry air, grows well at home.

Watering

The plant requires moderate watering, in the summer 2-3 times a week. It should be limited to watering at rest. It is worth knowing that plants with rosettes do not like watering from above - water should not accumulate in rosettes. An adult flower will survive even a month without watering. Young plants that still do not know how to accumulate water well should be watered more often.

The soil

The plant has no special requirements, if we are talking about the soil, use the usual permeable floral soil.

Transfer

Succulent transplanted in the spring. It grows better in clay pots. When transplanting, do not plant the plant deeper than it was planted before; the roots may rot. Sand or perlite is poured on top of the soil so that the leaves do not touch the wet substrate.

Fertilizer

Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with liquid multicomponent fertilizer.

Temperature

Aloe grows well at room temperature. It carries dry air. In order for flowers to appear on the plant, you should move the flower for a couple of weeks to a room with a temperature of 10-15 º C. It should not fall below 5º C.

Breeding

Succulent breeds easily through the side processes. Young seedlings need moderate watering.

Growing problems

Flags, spider mites or aphids may appear on the plant.

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

Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment
Dry the tips of the leavesthe roots took up the whole space of the pot, not enough nutrientsTransplant Aloe Vera in a bigger pot.
Leaves curledinadequate plant careLeaves should be wiped with a damp sponge, eliminating dust and dirt.
The leaves turn yellow and soften, become watery.excess moistureWater less often and more moderately when the topsoil dries out.
Leaves thin and nesochnyenot enough light or moistureMove the plant to the sun-sill or water the soil in the pot all the way to the bottom, add water to the pan.
Brown spotsnot enough moistureEnsure that the water during irrigation reaches the lower roots and flows a little into the pan.
Soft dark green spotsfungal infectionProcess antifungal drug for houseplants: trichodermine, glyocladin, Previkur Energy, and so on.
The leaves turned redexcess sunlightYou can transfer aloe vera into the shade, the leaves will turn green again.
Leaves fallcold waterWater at room temperature, keep a full watering can near the plant.
The stem dries out, Aloe Vera does not respond to watering, does not growroot rotRemove from the pot, inspect the roots, cut off the rotten, sprinkle the cut areas with charcoal, transplant to a new soil; if the leaves and began to rot, it is better to cut the surviving crown, dry the cut for a day and move to rooting, and throw away the diseased plant.
Aloe unexpectedly dies without visible signs of illnessdry rot that infects the plant from the insideIt is not possible to notice the defeat in time, Aloe Vera does not change color, looks healthy, therefore the best remedy is prevention (spraying with fungicides).

Table: Pests

External signs Pest Wrestling
Brown insect 5 mm long, on top covered with a transparent wax shield; the affected leaves of the plant glisten, become sticky.shieldWhile there are few pests, they can be washed off with soapy water; if you don’t have enough patience to clean each leaf or flake already a lot, then spray Aloe Vera with Aktara.
Spider web on the leaves, through a magnifying glass on it you can detect insects.spider miteSpray acaricides: Aktellik, Aktar, Bon Forte.
White insects 0.5–12 mm long leave on the leaves pieces that look like cotton or down.mealybugsWash off the pests with an infusion of garlic based on alcohol (2-3 cloves per 200 ml): soak a cotton pad in the liquid and wipe each leaf; You can also spray the plant Aktar, Fitoverm, Biotlin.
Silver leaves appear on the leaves, which merge with time; insects are clearly visible, have a belly, tail and legs, color - from white to black.thripsTreat the flower with Fitoverm, Aktellik, Karate or other insecticides.

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.

If you announce a contest for the most unique plant, then it will win - aloe vera (aloe barbados). This beautiful bush with fleshy and juicy leaves will be a great addition to any interior, and at the same time will help the owner to preserve youth and health.

Aloe vera, photo in greenhouse

Aloe, indeed, can be called one of the most amazing and useful flowers. Originating in the hot climate of central Africa, today this succulent has about 500 species of shrub, herbaceous and tree plants, which are grown even in the northernmost corners of the planet. Extensive interest is due, above all, its high decorative qualities, successfully combined with unpretentiousness in the cultivation of aloe vera. However, like any flower, aloe has its preferences in the care, ignoring that to grow a healthy bush is unlikely to succeed. However, before we talk about leaving, let's first deal with the landing.

In the wild, the aloe vera plant, also known as Aloe barbadensis, is found only in hot equatorial and subequatorial climates; it propagates by the seminal method or root processes. In countries with a colder climate, this species can be grown as a houseplant. And this, accordingly, leaves an imprint on reproduction.

There are several ways to cultivate aloe vera at home:

  1. Reproduction by grafting;
  2. rooting sheet;
  3. rooting of young shoots;
  4. top jigging;
  5. reproduction by seeds.
  1. Cuttings

It is better to plant aloe cuttings in summer. For this, a young shoot must be carefully separated from the main trunk. Unlike many indoor plants, an aloe stalk does not need additional water. On the contrary, the base of the separated shoot should be allowed to dry for 3-4 days. Therefore, in no case shall the cut stalk be placed in water, but removed in a dry and darkened place.

Dried stalk is planted for germination in well-moistened sand with a small addition of nutritious soil. If there is an opportunity, then it is better to disinfect the cut by dipping it in crushed charcoal or ash. Planting depth should not exceed 1 cm, and the distance between the cuttings is about 4-5 cm. The main rule of germination is to ensure that the sand always remains wet, and when the first roots appear, immediately increase the watering.

A week after the formation of the roots, young shoots can be planted in a permanent place. New aloe roots are very fragile, so you need to carefully replant the escape! Aloe vera breeding soil is best prepared by yourself. The flower likes well-drained soil. At the bottom of the pot add charcoal and brick chips. The top layer should consist of fertile soil, humus and sand mixed in equal amounts.

Aloe Vera does not like overmoistened soils. It is advisable to plant the plant in clay pots - unlike plastic ones, they absorb excess moisture and do not allow the root system to rot

  1. Rooting sheet

If the mother plant does not give cuttings or it is not possible to separate them, try to grow a new flower with the help of leaves. Reproduction sheets reminds cuttings. Only after the cut edge of the sheet dries, you need to deepen it into a wet sand mixture by 3 cm and ensure that the humidity is constant.

  1. Jailbreaking

Reproduction overgrow one of the easiest ways. Typically, aloe generously lets young growth, from which there can be no place in the pot. Therefore, it is not only possible, but necessary to remove basal shoots. Children are located at the very edge of the ground and already have their own root system. All you need to do is to gently reach the shoot (moisten the soil first), then transplant it to a permanent place.

  1. Top jigging

This type of breeding is relevant only when you want to extend the life of an old or dying bush. Cut the tip should be below 7 sheets, and then place it in a jar of clean water until the first roots. After that, a new bush can be transplanted to a permanent place.

  1. Seed breeding

Growing aloe vera seed method - one of the most difficult tasks, requiring the gardener uncommon patience, perseverance. If you decide to plant aloe seeds, it is better to plant them in early spring without soaking directly into the ground. Aloe vera seeds are planted in fertile and well-drained soil with the addition of sand. In composition, it can be the same as for an adult plant. After the emergence of seedlings, young sprouts of aloe need to be transplanted one by one in pots with a diameter of about 5 cm. You can sift and seat the seedlings after the formation of one or two strong sheets. The flower is considered an adult on reaching its age - 1 year. At the same time, you can re-transplant in a larger pot.

Pots for aloe vera is better to choose wide and low, as the succulent buds root system grows in width

Read More Aloe Breeding Methods

Comprehensive care

It is not at all easy to organize succulent care in the home. However, there are some nuances:

  • Properly selected soil is 80 percent success in growing aloe vera. African origin of the flower, leaves its mark. Aloe prefers loose, scanty and well-drained soil. An adult plant can be planted in ready-made mixtures of substrates for cacti. If the opportunity allows, it is better to create a special blend yourself. As is the case with young seedlings, a mixture of humus with sand and a small amount of black soil will do. But for an adult plant, the proportion of sand can be increased.
  • Especially to feed this bush is practically not necessary. It can be fertilized only in summer, during the period of growth, once a month with special mineral fertilizers for cacti. You can feed only after good watering. And after a transplant in a new soil, the first feeding can be done only six months later.
  • Although moisture is considered life-giving, for aloe it can cause death. Like all succulents, aloe vera needs abundant but rare watering. It is necessary to moisten the soil only after complete drying with settled water at room temperature. In the summer, the frequency of watering can reach 1 time per week, in winter, when there is a period of rest, 1 watering per month is enough.
  • For active growth, the flower needs good lighting throughout the year, but prolonged exposure of the plant to direct sunlight can cause burns on the leaves. The best for growing will be the western or eastern sill.
  • Aloe is characterized by rapid growth, so transplantation is required almost every year. It is better to “relocate” the plant to a new place of residence in the summer.
  • Aloe air prefers dry (not to be confused with a stuffy atmosphere). Spraying tolerates well only in the summer. In winter, you need to try to keep the water from falling on the leaves and not accumulating in the sinuses.
  • The usual temperature for aloe is 18-26 ° C. In the winter months, when the flower begins a period of rest, it is desirable to reduce the temperature maximum, but not to allow the temperature to drop below 10 ° C.

Result

With proper care, the flower should form a strong shrub with a short stem and long (up to 60 cm) green leaves framed by bright spines on the edges. The leaf itself should be dense, fleshy and free from blemishes.

Proper care of the plant aloe vera does not take much time, but it can be rewarded with a rare event - flowering. Of all the existing types of aloe vera, aloe vera almost never pleases flower growers with its flowering. In nature, this succulent throws a long arrow with small flowers. The color of the inflorescences is scarlet, yellow or orange.

Room aloe can bloom only once in 10-20 years and then, with the most careful care. True, it is not worth waiting for the same flowering from the pot bush as for the wild. Most often, aloe vera flower grown under indoor conditions is smaller and more inconspicuous.

Aloe is unwell, what are the reasons

Aloe vera is one of the most resistant plants, both to defeat pests and diseases. It is easy to care for him, but sometimes his appearance causes alarm in florist.

  • If the plant has become sluggish and dries near the base - then the flower has struck root rot. In this case, the bush must be removed from the pot, remove all damaged areas of the roots, and the plant should be transplanted into a new pot with fresh soil. The transplanted bush can be watered not earlier than in three weeks.
  • Another aloe disease is dry rot. Detect this disease is almost impossible. Drying from the inside, outwardly the bush remains healthy for a long time. The disease manifests itself, as a rule, when it is already impossible to save the plant.
  • Changing the color of foliage and its sagging indicates a poor drainage, insufficient lighting or a cold atmosphere in the room.
  • Aloe vera is a plant with dense wide sheets. Too thin leaves in an adult bush indicate a lack of moisture.
  • Alkaline soil, over-irrigation and oversaturation with fertilizers leads to slow flower growth.

More details Aloe Diseases - what they are

Healing and cosmetic properties

Some species of aloe have miraculous properties, for which the plant in everyday life was called - "the home doctor." Most of the folk and traditional medicine used pulp and juice of aloe ("agave") and aloe vera.

The healing properties of aloe were well known to the ancient Sumerians. Which is not surprising. Aloe vera juice is rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as flavonoids and carotenoids. Saturated with mineral salts and amino acids. Therefore, the therapeutic and cosmetic properties of this flower are very much appreciated, both in traditional and traditional medicine.

Aloe vera, the cultivation of which is particularly unpretentious can give a good harvest of healing leaves. And they can often come in handy:

  • aloe disinfects and heals wounds, relieves itching and swelling;
  • help tighten postoperative stitches;
  • treats burns;
  • helps with psoriasis;
  • boosts immunity;
  • in a small amount of aloe juice is used to raise the appetite;
  • fights intestinal infections;
  • improves the effect of chemotherapy;
  • used in the treatment of ulcers;
  • helps with colds, bronchitis and antritis.

In traditional medicine and cosmetology, aloe is widely used as a catalyst for accelerating skin regeneration. This allows you to make a cure for frostbite, remove postpartum folds and make anti-aging creams.

Remember

Only leaves of a plant over 3 years old have healing properties.

In folk medicine, aloe is also widely used, especially well combined with honey. By combining the ingredients you can make aloe masks for dry, fading or problem skin. However, using masks with aloe juice, like any other cosmetic, before applying the product to the face, check it on a small area of ​​skin. Allergic reactions are not excluded.

Contraindications

Despite the huge benefits, you should not abuse the juice and pulp of the plant. Indeed, in large quantities, even the most useful medicine can turn into poison.

In addition, you can not use aloe people with a predisposition to the formation of tumors. A number of skin diseases are also best treated with aloe only after consulting a doctor.

It is not recommended to use the plant for therapeutic purposes, hypertensive patients and during pregnancy. Diseases of the digestive tract, liver and gallbladder should not be treated by taking aloe juice inside without consulting a doctor. Like any drug, aloe is good only in properly selected doses. Otherwise, the plant may have the opposite effect.

Some indoor flowers are grown exclusively for beauty, others have healing properties. There is a plant that combines both qualities - aloe vera. Growing at home is possible even for beginners in floriculture. The subtleties of care, requirements for conditions and common errors are given in this article.

Species and flowering characteristics

Aloe vera or aloe present - perennial-succulent. The leaves are fleshy, thick, green with a matte coating. Along the edges are small and rare spikes of purple. In length, the leaves reach 50 cm. The shrub is formed from branching upright stems. Their surface is covered with notches from fallen leaves. In wild natural conditions, the shrub is larger - it reaches 3 meters in height.

The roots are straight, powerful, covered with many small roots. In nature, produces a long peduncle. From flowers formed racemose. As aloe vera blooms, you are unlikely to see, since it is usually not possible to achieve flowering in an apartment setting.

In rare cases, attempts may succeed. In winter, a dormant period is organized at low temperatures of about +15 ° C. Daylight lamps artificially create an extended day length. Spring transferred to a warm place and wait for flowering. Shrubs are blooming not younger than 10 years.

The birthplace of the flower - semi-desert areas of Africa and India. In European countries, cultivated as a medicinal plant. Appreciated for anti-inflammatory, wound healing, emollient properties.

Aloe vera is often confused with agave. Agave is aloe treelike. The main difference between aloe vera and agave is its appearance. Agave has longer stems, aloe vera forms a neat shrub. Otherwise, they are very similar.

Interesting! In addition to aloe vera, there are other varieties - tree, variegated, spinous aloe. All of them are grown as indoor plants.

Basic rules of care

The plant is characterized by unpretentiousness, resistance to negative factors. To the creation of favorable conditions meets the active growth and decorative appearance. Before you take care of aloe vera, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of cultivation.

  1. Lighting. Loves the bright sun and lighting. It grows well on windows facing south or southeast. Lack of light leads to stretching. Under the direct rays of the sun put after preliminary preparation. At first, the plant is prune with tulle.
  2. Temperature. In terms of temperature, the flower is unpretentious. Easily withstands its increase above +26 ° C. Fears of frost. In winter, the temperature is lowered, but it is monitored to ensure that it does not fall below +13 ° C.
  3. Watering. As the soil dries. In the summer in 2-3 days, in the winter - in 2 weeks. Use warm, distilled water. Try to avoid water in the center of the rosette of leaves. The plant can not be poured - this will lead to the appearance of rot on the roots. The roots that absorb moisture are at the bottom of the pot. Therefore, they often use bottom watering - they put the pot for 10-15 minutes in a pan with water. Periodically, the leaves are wiped with a damp cloth, cleaning them from dust. Spray is not necessary.
  4. The soil. On their own, aloe vera soil is made from sod, leaf earth, humus and sand. Sod take 2 parts, the other components - one by one. Suitable soil mix for cacti. For loosening, add a little charcoal, hydrogel or brick dust to the soil. Soil acidity is low.
  5. Feeding. Fertilizers are rarely applied - at most once a month. Use mineral preparations for succulents. Before feeding the soil is watered. After transplantation, it is not recommended to apply fertilizer within six months.
  6. Transfer. The first time the plant is transplanted annually, each time using a larger pot. Adult bushes are not so demanding a transplant. Transplantation is carried out once every three years or simply replace the top layer of soil.

Aloe Care Memo! These are the golden rules that every florist should remember:

  • We need bright sunlight.
  • The minimum temperature in winter is not lower than +13 ° C.
  • In summer - 2 irrigations per week, in winter - 2 irrigations per month.
  • Aloe does not like stuffiness - the room needs to be aired.
  • Fertilizers are applied from April to September 1 time per month. Use drugs for succulents.

Breeding methods

As a houseplant, aloe vera is ubiquitous. Florists use several breeding methods. All of them give good results.

  1. Seeds. Sowing seeds begin at the end of the closure. Use light soils consisting of sod, leaf soil and sand. When the seedlings are stronger, they are seated in separate temporary cups. It is useful to add crushed charcoal to the soil. Water the seedlings moderately, do not allow overmoistening of the soil. A year later, transplanted into permanent pots.
  2. Cuttings. The best period for propagation by cuttings is summer. Healthy shoots are cut into pieces of 10 cm, cuts sprinkled with powdered charcoal, cuttings dried in the shade. For rooting using fine wet sand. Cuttings are pressed into it by 1 cm. Watering is rare, but does not allow drying. With the advent of roots, seedlings are transplanted into the ground for adult plants.
  3. Top shoots. They are carefully cut, dried in the shade for 3 days. Put the cutting vertically, 2-4 cm deep into the moistened sand. Next to the long cuttings put the pegs for the garter. Until rooting, the temperature is maintained at +18 ° C and higher, the plant is sprayed daily.
  4. Overgrown. If an adult aloe bush has given rise to shoots, it will be deposited during transplantation.

Important! If you grow aloe for medicinal purposes, then refrain from using mineral fertilizers. They will negatively affect the healing properties. For feeding you can use safe biological preparations.

Common diseases and pests

If the care for aloe vera at home is not properly organized, you can face a number of problems.

  • Root rot. Excessive watering causes root rot. The plant is dug, inspect the roots. Healthy - light and elastic roots leave, darkened and soft - cut. The plant is transplanted to another pot using fresh soil. With a strong damage to the root system, healthy parts of the bush are cut into cuttings, the rest are thrown out.
  • Dry rot. The affected plant dries out. It is sprayed with systemic fungicides, but the likelihood of salvation is very small.
  • The flower is drawn out. The reason is watering with cold water or poor lighting.
  • Shchitovka and false shield. Brown plaques appear on the underside of the leaves. They are removed with a sponge moistened with alcohol. A fungicide treatment is carried out.
  • Red spider. To combat it, the plant is sprayed with fungicides. For prophylaxis, air the room daily.

Aloe vera is not only a beautiful indoor flower, but also a healing plant. Its unpretentiousness simplifies cultivation, and its interesting appearance makes it a worthy example of a home collection of flowers.

The tree aloe, familiar to all, known for its powerful healing properties, has a worthy competitor, also used in pharmaceutical production, cosmetology and traditional medicine - aloe vera (real or barbadian). His homeland is considered Central and East Africa, hot and arid deserts. The plant belongs to the type of succulents - evergreen, fleshy, accumulating moisture reserves.

Appearance and biological properties

The appearance of the Barbadian relative of the agave is rather exotic: the short stem is almost invisible, the leaves are bright green or bluish, very wide - up to 15 cm, triangular, with jagged soft spikes, assembled in rosettes. The flowers bloom very rarely and lose in the showiness of the green part - elongated brown brushes that look like brushes with a rare nap.

Aloe vera has strong healing properties, being both an interior decoration, a family doctor and a beautician. Leaf juice contains rare nutrients:

  • anthraquinones that relieve inflammation and pain;
  • acemannan, which protects tissue cells from toxins;
  • ulcin, accelerating the regeneration of mucous membranes and skin;
  • tannins, phytoncides with antimicrobial action;
  • minerals, vitamins, organic acids.

Pharmaceutical preparations are made from the extract of juicy pulp to treat the digestive organs, joints, and strengthen the immune system. In cosmetology salons they offer smoothing, moisturizing and regenerating aloe vera masks for the face and body. Gel and succulent juice is added to creams, tonics, balms, conditioners and hair shampoos. But any cosmetic and therapeutic agents can be prepared at home on their own. If the plant is already 3 years old, its leaves can be cut off and squeezed out of them juice and gel. Before use, it is recommended to remove the leaves for a few days in the refrigerator, wrapped in paper, and then you can squeeze the pulp out of them and use them in recipes.

Care rules

The owner of this plant to be easy, nutritious soil and whimsical conditions of aloe vera does not require care for him by any force. It is enough to follow the elementary rules.

First you need to pick the right pot. Succulents have a weak root system that requires space. Ware for it should be sufficiently roomy, stable, preferably of unglazed clay, the pores of which are able to pass air and absorb excess moisture. The ideal size of the tank provides for several centimeters of free space between the roots of the plant and the walls.

Ground Requirements

Buy soil for the flower can be in the store or collect yourself. Succulent ground should be breathable and well drained. Aloe vera can grow on poor rocky, sandy terrain, so nutritional requirements are minimal. A good option at home is a mixture of equal parts of humus and sand with the addition of charcoal or ash. Podzolic, leafy soil is preferable to chernozem.

The young plant will have to be replanted every 1–1.5 g. Aloe roots grow very quickly and the former pot quickly becomes small. Adult flower - 3 years and older move 1 time from 3 years. Transplantation is a great way to prevent many diseases.

A day before you put a bush in a new dish, it is watered. After extraction, inspect the roots from the ground, remove the damaged and rotted, detach the daughter shoots.

Before planting, drainage from small brick fragments, river stone or expanded clay is laid out in the pot, approximately 1/5 of it, and 3 cm of pre-moistened soil is placed on top. The plant is placed in a container and carefully lay on the remaining soil, trying not to injure the roots. If aloe is sufficiently grown, its sides can be covered with a layer of stones for stability.

Fertilizer

It is desirable to produce top dressing only during the active growing season - from May to September and do it once a month. Fertilizers are applied only to rooted adult plants, in the first six months after planting aloe, there is enough nutrition from the soil. The best are special nitrogen-containing mixtures for succulents, which can be purchased at retail outlets. The best way to feed is to dilute the required amount of the mixture in settled water and gently water the plant.

Light and air

Sunlight and fresh air needed for succulents. From March to October, it is useful to put it on the east and south sides closer to the windows. It is not necessary to place it under direct rays. In order not to burn the leaves, on hot days you can scatter the light with thin curtains or move the pots away from the windows into the room. The lack of lighting leads to the fact that the aloe stretches up, loses its shape and color, and in the stuffiness it can dry out. In summer, in clear dry weather, it is useful to take the plant to fresh air: to the balcony or terrace. Regularly need to ventilate the room, avoiding stuffiness.

The ideal temperature for succulents is 15–24 ° C, but in the summer it also tolerates great heat.

In winter, aloe is at rest, it does not hurt the coolness of 12–13 ° C and lower illumination. You can even remove it in a shady or dark place, not allowing much to grow. Sometimes after wintering the plant blooms. If desired, the color can be left, but in order not to weaken the greens and not impoverish it with food, the peduncle is often removed.

Moisturizing

Watering is needed moderate. In spring and summer, during the growth period, it is enough to add water to the soil once a week; you can pour it into the pan by moisturizing the soil and the roots in the pot, but not the stem with the leaves. In early spring and autumn, aloe vera suffices 1 watering in 2 weeks, and in winter - 1 per month. Water must be prepared in advance, allowing it to stand at room temperature for a day. Spraying succulent does not stand. If water gets into the sockets, it can rot. For this reason, to prevent the accumulation of dust, the leaves just need to wipe with a soft cloth. To protect against pests allowed to moisten it with a weak solution of vinegar, infusion of garlic.

For aloe vera, the best breeding methods are vegetative. To do this, cut off and plant the leaves separately or disconnect the grown out adventitious shoots - children. You can grow a new copy of the seed, but this will take a lot of time - a bush will appear no earlier than 1.5 g.

Children multiply aloe vera is more beneficial for both the adult plant and the young growth. Succulent is not injured, and the processes already have their own roots. It is more convenient to do it during transplantation. If it is not needed, the root shoots are separated from the adult specimen by a small spatula. All that is required is to carefully transfer them to separate pots with fresh soil.

Stem cuttings and leaves to propagate aloe vera is also easy. But this process takes a little longer. The necessary parts of the plant are cut with a sharp knife as close as possible to the common stalk, the length of the process must be at least 10 cm. After that, the future sprouts must be dried in the shade - put on paper and left alone for several days until the cut dries completely. To be afraid that the plant dries, it is not necessary, the succulent is 95% filled with moisture.

It is useful to treat places of cuts with ash or powder of charcoal in order to avoid fungal infections.

For the appearance of roots, shoots are planted for 3 weeks in trays with wet sand. Then they are carefully removed and placed in the prepared soil in permanent places. Cover the plants with a film, glass jars while it is impossible, lack of oxygen - the main cause of the death of small aloe vera.

You do not need to plant young shoots at once in large pots - the features of aloe are such that it will not go into the green until it takes root all the space. Cuttings and babies are usually placed in dishes with a capacity of not more than 0.8 liters. For the first year of life it is enough.

It is necessary to water babies a little more often - 2-3 times a week, making sure that the soil does not dry out much. It is impossible to put flowers on the bright sun at once, it is useful for them to stay for a few weeks in moderate light. During ventilation, small aloe vera must be protected from drafts.

If you do not forget to comply with the necessary requirements, decorate the house and will please the owners of aloe vera for many years.

Aloe Vera comes from the islands of Curaçao and Barbados, located in the south of the Arabian Peninsula. Like other types of aloe, the plant does not require careful maintenance and special conditions of detention. Succulent has branched, straight-stemmed stems with thick leaves. The edges of the leaves have hard teeth, cartilage forms. Usually, Aloe Vera leaves are about 40 cm long. The plant has fleshy and juicy flesh and is almost 97% water.

What is the difference between aloe vera and aloe tree?

Aloe vera is a type of aloe succulent plant. A distinctive feature of Aloe Vera from agave is that the first one has a rosette of leaves, in contrast to the second plant, which has a trunk and leaves on its sides. Aloe vera is usually grown on plantations for cosmetic and medical purposes. Of interest are precisely the succulent and fleshy leaves, which, as a result, are cut to reach the plant at the age of four. While in the agave for the same purpose using the trunk, not the leaves.

Aloe Vera / Aloe Trees (Stolet)

Cultivation and care at home

Temperature

In the summer, as a rule, does not require special care for the plant. More air is recommended, so you can put a succulent on a balcony or loggia. In the winter season, Aloe V. requires a bit more attention and care. Preferably a lower temperature of about + 12-13 degrees. Keep the flower in a cool and bright room.

In order to prevent the above processes, it is required to provide more light to the plant. The temperature level for aloe vera in winter should not exceed 15-16 ° С, ideally for a plant the temperature is 12-13 ° С. However, at home, to organize the correct temperature is quite difficult due to a number of related factors. It is important to note that it is strictly forbidden to put aloe over the battery during the heating season, such a place is detrimental to the plant.

Lighting

It is worth remembering that for effective growth and vital activity the plant requires sufficient lighting. Aloe B. cannot be placed in dark corners or kept in dark rooms, especially in the winter. Recognizing that the succulent lacks light is quite simple, you should pay attention to such processes:

  • The plant begins to stretch
  • Leaves become narrow
  • Clearly visible change in the structure of the plant, it becomes dry
  • Gradually acquires a pale green tint.
  • With an increase in irrigation, the process of decay begins in the roots.

The plant loves sunshine. However, keep in the sun constantly, not recommended, especially on hot days of summer. In the spring and summer periods, it is necessary to periodically place the pot in a darkened area of ​​the room. When active sunlight can fade, which is noticeable by special features:

  • The leaves change shape, the tips become narrow
  • There are shades of red on the leaves.

Burnout, can greatly affect not only the growth of the plant, but also its livelihoods, and can even lead to complete drying - death. Avoid direct sunlight, after the winter period, accustom the sun gradually!

In the autumn and winter periods, often aloe is not enough light, especially in the absence of a decrease in temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to use special lamps to fill in the plant with the missing light. It is possible to apply both LED phytolamps, and luminescent.

Watering

The plant can not be much moisturize, but do not overdry. In summer, at temperatures above 28 °, the frequency of watering should be 1-2 days. If the temperature is lower, on average 20-25 degrees, then the frequency should be 4-5 days after the last watering. Recommendations:

  • Do not allow liquid to enter the leaf outlet
  • Moderate watering in winter
  • The soil should dry well before watering.
  • The duration of the frequency of irrigation depends on the air temperature and the time of year.
  • Do not allow prolonged drainage of the soil.

Watering for a plant like aloe vera is very important. Therefore, the irrigation system should be as balanced as possible, so as not to harm the succulent.

Fertilizer

The fertilizer process for succulents is quite a significant aspect. Therefore, this process should be performed correctly, based on the recommendations of the instructions. For Aloe V., the time for fertilizer falls on the period from May to August. Aloe is fed every two weeks, mainly with mineral complex fertilizers intended for cacti and succulents.

Transfer

Plant transplant occurs every year if the aloe is a young plant. For older succulents, transplantation occurs every 2-3 years. For transplanting, it is important to consider the soil. If the soil is purchased, then it is worth clarifying that it must match the soil for succulents and cacti.

Breeding

In most cases, reproduction of aloe occurs by cuttings. The plant has the property of reproduction at any time of the year, however, it is noted that it is better to carry out this process in the spring.

Reproduction by grafting:

  • First you need to dry the cut cuttings in the air.
  • Move the cuttings to a special mixture of sand with peat. It is noted that the mixture must be wet
  • Deepen cuttings by 1-2 centimeters

It should be noted that cuttings are not required to be covered or watered. Watering is not often.

Aloe can also be propagated with seeds. For sprouting aloe, you need:

  • Plant seeds in prepared soil that has been treated with boiling water.
  • Seed planting occurs during the period February to May
  • Required to put the plant on a warm, bright place

Diseases and pests

The most common diseases associated with damage to the root system rot. It can be both root and dry rot.

The first is caused by frequent watering and / or use for this cold water. The first signs are the complete cessation or slowing down of the growth of the plant, and also the stem begins to dry out. In order to cure a plant, it is necessary to get it out of the pot, completely remove all rotted roots, and then plant it in the soil with a lot of sand. In the next 3 weeks, watering should be discarded. If the entire root system was unsuitable and completely rotted, then it is still possible to propagate the plant with the help of the tips, the main thing is that the stems are healthy.

Dry rot is more dangerous. Causes, as a rule, are associated with unstable watering, frequent changes in temperature and air humidity. To recognize the disease is very difficult, because by its characteristics, it looks like root rot - the plant also begins to dry out. It is impossible to cure aloe vera from dry rot, unless it is periodically carried out with special preparations (fungicides) to prevent the disease.

Useful video care

Flowering Aloe Vera

The flowering period of aloe is a long process. As a rule, peduncle appears in the sinuses of the upper leaves of the plant. In most cases, the peduncle is one, however, rare cases of flowering of several peduncles were observed at once. Appearing flowers, cylindrical, bell-shaped yellow-pink, have long pedicels. Flowering aloe vera, usually occurs in the winter.

Photo: Aloe Vera Blossom

Medicinal properties and application

Benefits and contraindications

Aloe vera is widely used for medical purposes.

Internal use of aloe vera juice:

  • Juice made from the leaves of this plant is a good laxative.
  • Created drugs containing pressed aloe vera juice are effective in combating gastritis
  • Also pressed juice of this plant helps reduce gastric acidity.
  • Helps against chronic colitis
  • Aloe vera syrup with iron supplement is effective in treating anemia
  • Used for migraines
  • Assists with neurosis
  • Highly effective in combating ulcers and asthma

External use of juice:

  • Helps in the formation of purulent wounds
  • Eliminates Streptococcus
  • Fights E. coli
  • Effective this juice in the fight against diphtheria stick
  • Promotes rapid healing of wounds
  • Leaves, often used to relieve sunburn

Aloe vera is widely used in medicine to combat various diseases. The plant is officially included in the list of pharmaceutical drugs.

Despite the large number of beneficial components, aloe vera has and contraindications. So, the preparations created on the basis of aloe vera are contraindicated for people with the following diseases:

  • Diseases of the gallbladder
  • Liver disease
  • With cystitis
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Pregnancy and feeding

Children Aloe Vera can be used only after consulting a doctor!

Recipes

For juicing, you will need to cut the bottom or middle sheets of a healthy plant. After that, they need to be well washed, dried and placed for 7 days in the refrigerator. After this time, you can prepare squeeze juice.

There are many different recipes using Aloe B. The article discusses the most popular recipes using this plant.

  • Aloe Vera Use Recipe to improve digestion, and after suffering a serious illness:

Required:

Aloe juice-150 grams

Honey 250 grams

Strong red wine-350 grams

All ingredients are mixed and aged for five days. Ready mix, it is required to use three times a day, after food.

  • Recipe for a depleted organism:

Required to mix:

Half a glass of aloe juice

Pounded walnut-500 grams

Honey 300 grams

Survived lemon juice. You need to use 3-4 lemons.

It is required to use the resulting mixture three times a day before meals.

  • From cough:

30 gr. Aloe V.

30 gr. lingonberry juice

10 gr. liquid honey

All mix, take 2 tablespoons 4 times a day.

Aloe vera for face

Succulents of this type are very popular in the field of cosmetology. Cosmetics with the composition of this plant, it is recommended for owners of sensitive skin exposed to various allergic reactions. Numerous creams and masks containing Aloe V. help in the fight against pigment spots, provide protection from the effects of environmental factors, enrich the skin with nutrients.

It is noted that the use of masks and creams created on the basis of aloe vera give a great effect on the skin. Most of all, aloe vera is valued in the fight against psoriasis, purulent secretions and the appearance of acne.

You can apply fresh juice daily to the skin, or add a few drops to a face cream.

Mask to maintain youthful skin:

2 tbsp. spoons of Aloe V juice

2 tbsp. spoons of liquid honey

Mix, apply on cleansed skin once a week, for 20-30 minutes. Can be stored in the refrigerator.

Aloe vera hair

The plant has a positive effect on the skin of the head and on the hair roots. Aloe B. is widely used to eliminate the following pathologies:

  • Copes with dandruff
  • Helps with hair loss
  • Assists with baldness
  • It has healing properties with split ends.

Benefits:

  • Gives fluffiness to hair
  • Creates a thick hair structure
  • Gives shine to hair
  • Gives strength to hair roots

Aloe vera juice is used to treat hair. The juice is rubbed into the scalp daily. After a positive result, the procedure can be applied 1-2 times during the week.

Aloe vera is a unique plant that is widely used in medicine and cosmetology. A plant rich in nutrients is also loved by gardeners all over the world, it is used everywhere. Aloe vera, is one of the most popular plants living in houses, it looks great in the interior and is not whimsical in the care.

Aloe vera is a frequent guest on home window sills. People actively use its healing properties and the ability to disinfect the air. Growing a houseplant is 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.