How to Grow Aloe Vera Because It’s Easier Than You Think
Aloe vera is a succulent commonly used in gels, creams, ointments, and hand sanitizer, and although it has been used for thousands of years , today it is used to soothe symptoms of sunburn or to treat cuts and scrapes. You might think it is difficult to grow or care for, but aloe vera is a common houseplant that is fairly easy to grow and harvest. Here’s how to take care of yourself.
How to plant aloe vera in a pot
The best thing about aloe plants is that they are very low maintenance succulents. As long as you are careful, keeping them alive requires little maintenance. To get started, make sure you buy cacti or succulent soil , which will set you back about $ 6. Then mix the cactus soil with pebbles, sand, or perlite to ensure proper drainage. Like any succulent, the aloe plant is prone to root rot if it gets stuck in standing water. You can also plant aloe vera in a terracotta pot that dries quickly.
When transplanting an aloe, be sure to remove the aloe from the previous pot and shake off any remaining dirt from its roots. Fill the pot three-quarters full with succulent soil, then place the plant in the pot. Fill the rest of the pot with soil around the plant, leaving three-quarters of an inch free at the top. The Farmer’s Almanac does not recommend watering the plant after transplanting, as this may prevent the plant from growing new roots. Keep in mind that if your aloe plant starts to grow large and tall to the point that it can tip over, it is time to repot it in a larger pot or prune its leaves.
How to care for an aloe vera plant
Since aloe is found naturally in desert climates, this plant loves the sun. You can keep your aloe vera plants in your home in bright, indirect sunlight and water them about every two weeks. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. When watering, soak the soil and make sure it drains off properly and does not accumulate in the pot.
How to prune your aloe vera plant
You will often see the tips of the aloe turn brown and wrinkle, but this is not a sign of impending doom. The succulent source offers three options: cut off the shriveled part, cut just below the brown part to prevent further browning, or cut off the entire leaf (depending on where it is). When it comes to pruning, prune the old outer leaves as new growth comes from the middle. Try to cut as close to the base as possible to remove the entire sheet to maintain the desired shape.
How to harvest aloe from an aloe vera plant
Harvesting aloe is relatively easy. According to Healthline , you’ll only want to cut three or four leaves from your plant at a time without stopping the plant from growing. Cut off at the base of the leaf, where most of the aloe is. Then cut off the thorny parts and rinse thoroughly with water. Then cut the leaf into cubes and use a knife to separate the inside of the meat from the leaf to drain the yellow juices. You can then use the cubes as needed, or toss the slices into a blender and strain to extract the gel. Of course, while aloe vera has many uses, it is important to check with your doctor before using any topical agent.