The Aloe vera can be used in many ways as a decorative and medicinal plant. But how do you properly care for them? Read everything about watering, fertilizing and cutting succulents.
The Aloe vera is used by many people as a medicinal or green plant. When it comes to care, however, some background knowledge is required so that the plant grows he althy and strong. We will tell you how to properly care for the Aloe vera.
Aloe vera care: watering aloe vera
As a succulent plant, Aloe vera is able to store water in its leaves and tolerate drought for long periods of time. Therefore, compared to many other indoor plants, it rarely needs water and is sensitive to waterlogging. The substrate should nevertheless be kept permanently moist and not dry out completely. If the Aloe vera is watered without the water being able to drain away, the water saturation will inhibit soil aeration and root rot may occur.
In the case of rosette-forming plants such as Aloe vera it is also important not to let the water run over the leaves when watering. Otherwise water can accumulate in the heart of the rosette - this favors fungal infections and can lead to the plant beginning to rot. The Aloe vera is best suited for low-lime water, such as rainwater or mineral water.
But how often should you water the Aloe vera? It is usually sufficient to water them once a week. The right time can be determined by finger testing: when the surface of the earth is dry, you can water again.
Young plants need to be more careful, because the leaves cannot store as much water as those of older plants. They should therefore be watered more frequently, but with smaller amounts of water.
Since the Aloe vera hibernates in our part of the world due to the cooler climate, it is important that theadjust the watering rhythm of the plant. In its cool winter quarters, it should only be watered occasionally so that the root ball does not dry out. The risk of root rot from too much moisture is higher during the winter as Aloe vera does not absorb as much water as during the growing season.
Fertilize aloe vera
The Aloe vera originally comes from the desert-like, hot regions of the Arabian Peninsula. There the nutrient supply of the plant is only possible to a very limited extent. It therefore naturally needs little fertilizer. Nevertheless, occasional fertilization of the Aloe vera makes sense, especially if it is used as a medicinal plant. It then recovers better from a cut and grows strong, he althy leaves with lots of gel.
During the growing season, it is therefore good to fertilize the Aloe vera about every two weeks with the irrigation water. In this way, the nutrients that are important for the plant are better distributed in the soil solution, are available more quickly and ensure he althy and vigorous growth. For example, our Plantura organic room and green plant fertilizer is suitable for this. In addition to a balanced nutrient composition and a resource-saving, lower phosphorus content, this has additional microorganisms in order to be able to better utilize the nutrients from the substrate. Due to its completely organic and animal-free production, it also protects the environment and the climate.
You do not have to fertilize the Aloe vera immediately after repotting, as the nutrient reserves of the fresh soil are still sufficient to supply the plant. Fertilization of the plant is also not necessary during the hibernation between October and April.
Pruning aloe vera plant
A trimming is not necessary with the Aloe vera. If you want to keep your plant in shape so that it doesn't grow too big or too sprawling, you can cut off the outer, old leaves if necessary. Diseased or damaged leaves should also always be removed.
If you want to use it as a medicinal plant, you should regularly harvest the outer leaves of the Aloe vera to use the gel. Plants that are more than three years old are particularly suitable for this - their leaves are larger and more vital than those of younger plants. They have more gel, better recovery from harvest, and new leaves faster.
Aloe vera turning brown: Whatdo?
Sometimes the leaves of Aloe vera can turn brown, greyish purple or pale. This can be for a number of reasons: If the outer, older leaves are turning brown, there is no need to worry. As the plant continues to develop, it sheds the older leaves and forms new ones inside.
Sometimes the leaves will change color immediately after repotting - that's not a problem either. The Aloe vera just needs a little time to grow in the new substrate, and then the discolouration will disappear on its own.
When the Aloe veraif it has not been repotted for a long time, there may be a lack of nutrients in the old substrate, causing the leaves to turn brown. Early repotting will then provide the plant with nutrients again.
A reddish to brownish coloring can be a reaction to too much direct sun, since the Aloe vera so can protect. If the leaf tips also become dry, it is time to move the Aloe vera to a less sunny location. The leaves will then return to their bright green color after a short time.
It is more problematic if none of the problems described above can be identified and resolved. Especially if the inner, younger leaves also turn brown or turn yellow, this can be an indication of too much water. As a succulent, the Aloe vera is able to store large amounts of water in its leaves, but does not tolerate waterlogging very well. At the latest when the Aloe-vera leaves become soft when you press them between your fingers, the backwater should be poured out and watering for one or two weeks can be set completely. Discolored, soft leaves can be cut off and discarded as they are a good target for fungi.
The most common reasons for brown leaves on Aloe vera:
- Growth: Young leaves follow, old leaves can be removed.
- Repotting: Sometimes the Aloe vera turns brown immediately after repotting vital again.
- Old substrate: There are no more nutrients in the substrate, the Aloe vera should be repotted soon.
- Too much sun: If the Aloe vera is in the direct sun for too long, it can brown the leaves as sun protectioncome. She should be moved to a more sunny location.
- Waterlogging: If you water too much, the leaves can turn brown and soft. Watering should be stopped completely for 1 to 2 weeks to allow the root ball to dry out. Caution: Danger of rot and fungus.
You can find out more about the origin of the plant, its overwintering and the right potting soil in our further article, which deals with the location, planting and propagation of the Aloe vera.