The aloe vera plant is an easy to grow and very attractive succulent, which is why it is considered an excellent option to have indoors. This plant is stemless or has a very short stem with thick, green, fleshy leaves that fan out from the central stem of the plant. Aloe is also helpful, as the liquid from its leaves can be used to relieve the discomfort of scratches and burns when applied topically.
Before thinking about how to plant aloe vera , you should consider that you will need a place that offers direct and indirect sunlight and in case this is too much, because you live in a sunny place, to prevent the leaves from turning yellow, you may You need to water more often. If you want to know more details about how to plant aloe at home , continue reading and find out all the details. Also, you can plant a fig tree in the garden.
How to plant aloe vera?
Necessary preparation before planting
If you want to have your aloe vera plant indoors, you need to choose the right type of container . A pot made of terracotta or similar porous material is recommended, as it will allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and will also be heavy enough to prevent the plant from toppling over. But, you can also use a plastic or glazed pot, although these will retain more moisture and you will need to be more careful.
When choosing a container, make sure it has at least one drainage hole in the bottom. This is key, as it will allow excess water to drain out . Aloe vera plants are hardy, but a lack of proper drainage can cause rot and wilting, which is the most common cause of death for this plant. Select a container that is as wide as it is deep. If your aloe plant has a stem, choose a container that is deep enough so you can plant the entire stem below ground.
Now let’s talk a bit about the substrate , Aloe Vera plants are succulents, so use a well-draining potting mix, like the ones made for cacti. Do not use garden soil. This mix should contain perlite, lava rock, bark pieces, or all three. A layer of gravel, clay balls, or any other drainage material at the bottom of the pot is not necessary. This only takes up space that the roots could be in, the hole will suffice.
Process for planting or transplanting an aloe vera plant
Prepare your container by placing a small piece of mesh over the drainage hole, this will prevent the soil from falling through the bottom and allow the water to drain properly. A folded paper towel or newspaper can also work in a pinch, though they will break down over time.
Now prepare your plant , removing it from its current pot and removing excess substrate from the roots, being careful not to damage the roots. If your plant has suckers, remove them now and if your plant has a very long, thin stem that won’t fit in the pot, you can partially cut the stem off. Keep in mind that this is risky, but these types of plants take it. If you are going to cut the stem, place it in a warm area that receives indirect light. After several days, a callus will form over the wound. At this point, continue with the transplant instructions below.
Continue by filling the pot about a third full with the mixture, then place your plant and continue to fill the pot with soil around the plant, keeping in mind to leave at least 2 cm of space between the top of the soil and the bottom. pot rim. The lower leaves of the aloe plant should also rest just above the ground.
You should not water after planting , ignore your plant for a while. After placing the aloe in its new pot, do not water it for at least a week. This will lessen the chance of inducing rot and give the plant time to put down new roots.
