The aloe vera plant is a simple, appealing succulent that makes an excellent indoor plant. Aloe vera plants are also valuable because the juice from their leaves may be administered externally to treat pain from cuts and burns. Here’s is a complete guide on how to cultivate aloe vera plants at home!

Aloe Vera Facts

Aloe vera is a succulent plant belonging to the Aloe genus. The plant has thick, greenish, fleshy leaves that radiate out from the plant’s primary stem and is stemless or has a very short stem. The leaf’s edge is surrounded with tiny teeth.

Before you go out and buy aloe, keep in mind that you’ll need a spot with plenty of bright, indirect sunshine (or artificial sunlight). Direct sunshine may dry out the plant and make the fleshy leaves yellow, so if your aloe is in a particularly sunny position, you may need to water it more frequently.

Keep the aloe vera plant in a container near a kitchen window for occasional use.

Warning: Aloe vera gel can be used topically, but humans or pets should not consume it. It can induce unpleasant side effects, including nausea and indigestion, and even be toxic in big doses.

Before Planting

It’s critical to select the appropriate container. A terra-cotta or similarly porous container is ideal, as it will enable the soil to dry properly between waterings. It’s also possible to use a plastic or glazed pot, which will hold more moisture.

If you’re looking for a container, be sure it includes at least one drainage hole at the bottom. This is important because the opening will allow any extra water to drain. Although aloe vera plants are resilient, a lack of sufficient drainage can lead to rot and wilting, the most common cause of perishment for this plant.

Choose a container that is around the same width as it is depth. Choose a deep enough container for you to place the full stem under the soil if your aloe plant has one.

Because aloe vera plants are succulents, use a potting mix designed for cactus and succulents that drain well. Gardening soil should not be used. Perlite, lava rock, bits of bark, or all three should be used in an excellent combination.

It’s enough to have a drainage hole! This just takes up space that the roots could otherwise use. You may apply a rooting hormone powder to the stem of your aloe plant after planting for it to produce new roots. You can purchase rooting hormones online or from a local garden center or hardware store.

Planting (or Repotting) an Aloe Vera Plant

It’s time to repot your aloe plant if it’s become lanky, too huge, or simply needs an upgrade. Here’s how to do it:

Make sure your pot is ready. Place a tiny piece of screen over the drainage hole after giving the new pot a short washing (or a good scrub if it’s a pot you’ve used before) and allow it to dry completely; this will protect the soil from spilling out the bottom and enable water to flow correctly.

Make sure your plant is ready. Remove the aloe vera plant from its present container and gently brush away any extra soil from the roots, taking care not to harm the roots.

If your plant has a very tall, spindly stem that won’t fit in the container, you can partially clip it off. It should be noted that this is a dangerous procedure that could result in the plant’s death. To trim the stem, cut off a portion of it while leaving as much of it on the plant as feasible. After that, set the naked plant in a warm area with indirect light. A callous will form over the wound within a few days. Continue with the repotting instructions below at this point.

Place your plant in the ground. Place the plant in the soil after filling the pot about a third of the way with a well-draining potting mix. You should leave at least 3/4 inches between the top of the dirt and the pot rim when filling in the soil around the plant.

The aloe plant’s bottom leaves should also be barely above the soil. After planting, do not water.

After you’ve planted your aloe in its new pot, wait at least a week before watering it. This will reduce the risk of rot and give the plant more time to grow new roots. Keep the plant warm and in bright but indirect light until it appears rooted and happy.

Now that you know how to plant or repot your aloe vera, let us know in the comments what do you use aloe vera for…