Aloe vera is a very pretty and uncommon plant in shape. It is a succulent plant, which stores water in its leaves. It is not only an air-purifying plant but also a medicinal plant. It is an easy-to-care-for plant. For this reason, the aloe vera plant is best for beginners.
I myself keep this plant in my indoor garden and cultivate it as it is a very useful plant. As I take care of my aloe vera plant, I will share with you the simple ways to grow and care for it from my own experience:
| Common name | Aloe Vera |
| Plant’s scientific name | Aloe barbadensis |
| Native climate: | Southern and eastern Africa |
| Height | 1–2 feet tall |
| Light | Bright, indirect sun |
| Soil type | Well-draining potting mix |
| Water | 1–2 times weekly |
| Humidity | Dry |
| Flower | Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow |
| Toxicity | Nontoxic to humans |
Now, I will describe these tips:
1. Care with light
Aloe vera prefers bright and indirect sunlight. I grow it in my indoor space, so I set it near a western window. You can also place it in a southern spot because both southern and western sides are ideal for aloe vera. These sides receive less intense heat from the sun, which is best for the plant. Aloe vera can also survive in low light, but low light slows its growth and reduces its vitality. It is a very sensitive plant. Both very low and very bright light are harmful to aloe vera. So, be careful about lighting and placing your aloe vera. You should also keep your aloe vera away from drafty doors, places, and windows. Pay more attention to this in winter.
2. Care with soil
Soil is very important for plants. There are various types of soil: lightweight soil, medium-weight soil, and golden soil. Since I keep my lovely aloe vera indoors, I use golden or lightweight soil. Golden soil is best for plants because it helps improve aeration and air-holding capacity. I also use lightweight soil because it is good for plants that need bright but indirect light. For this reason, I use both golden and lightweight soil.
You should also prepare your soil properly for aloe vera. To make the soil perfect, you can mix sand, perlite, peat moss, and coconut husk in proper ratios with the soil. This helps provide balanced water, air, and nutrient-holding capacity to keep the roots healthy. Finally, it should be noted that aloe vera does not like soil that is too dry or too wet.
3. Care with water
We have understood that this plant does not require much water. So, we should water it following some rules. During the hot season, I water my plants 3–4 times a week. During the winter season, I water them 5–6 times a week. The reason for watering more in winter is because the climate is very dry. In summer, the weather is humid, so there is no need to give much water. If you water according to these rules, your plant will be very lively and healthy, inshallah.
4. Care with fertilizer
Fertilizers are important for every plant. In my opinion, they should be used sparingly. You can use a higher ratio of nitrogen for more foliage growth. Since aloe vera is a flowering plant, you can use a fertilizer with more phosphorus, which is very useful for flowering. You should use slow-release fertilizers because they are great for plants.
Many of you prefer home remedies when it comes to fertilizers. So, I am sharing with you a home remedy to take care of your plants. First, take some onion peels in a bowl and soak them overnight in water. Then, use this water in the morning on your plant’s soil. You can also use banana peels if you want. Use it twice a month and see the results. It is a very helpful remedy for your aloe vera plant. I also use this remedy on my plant.
5. Pruning
Pruning aloe vera is very easy. Usually, not much pruning is necessary. However, sometimes the leaves become pale or develop brown spots, and then pruning is needed.
Now, see the steps for pruning your aloe vera:
Step 1: Choose the leaves that are discolored or have brown spots.
Step 2: Cut these leaves off with scissors. But be careful: the middle leaves should never be cut because they are part of the plant’s growth. If they are cut, the plant will not grow.
6. Repotting
Repotting is very useful for keeping the plant healthy. Always try to keep at least one aloe vera in a pot. It produces offshoots very quickly, so you can plant these in other places if you want.
For repotting, first take a pot filled with well-draining soil. Then plant the aloe vera. After planting, sprinkle some water. It is good to know that the proper time for repotting is summer and spring. So, if you want to repot your plant, you should do it in that season.
7. Pests and diseases
Pests are very common problems for plants. They are attracted to aloe vera’s gel. To solve this problem, you should clean your plant’s leaves with water. Remove aphids, mealy bugs, and scale insects. Mix rubbing alcohol, water, and dishwashing detergent properly and use this on your plant.
There are some common diseases I faced when taking care of my plants. These are:
- Soft rot
- Root rot
- Leaf rot
- Fungal stem rot
To solve these problems, stop overwatering or underwatering. Give your plant adequate light but keep it away from bright direct sunlight. After following these simple steps, you can make your plant healthy. It will also help your plant grow quickly.
8. Aloe Vera’s Benefits
Aloe vera’s benefits are boundless. It is the solution for many daily life problems. Now I will share these benefits:
- Aloe vera is very beneficial for our face. It keeps our face clean and bright. Using its gel helps remove acne.
- Using aloe vera gel on hair reduces hair fall, makes hair silky, and helps in hair growth.
- If you eat aloe vera regularly:
- Sugar and fat levels remain balanced.
- The stomach stays clean.
- High blood pressure is controlled.
- It is useful for curing skin diseases and wounds.
I really like it for so many benefits.
9. How to get aloe vera flowers
It takes a long time to get aloe vera flowers. For some, it takes 4–5 years; for others, it takes 10–12 years. But once it starts to flower, it continues to flower every year. This certainly adds another type of happiness to the already lovely aloe!
To get aloe vera flowers, we should follow some tips:
Give the plant sufficient water.
Give the plant adequate light—provide as much as possible
Take special care of it in winter.
Finally, it can be said—don’t be disappointed. With care and patience, you will get results, inshallah.
