El Aloe vera it is a non-cactus succulent plant, or crass plant, well known for its many and varied properties. It is so much so that it could almost be said that it has become a custom to take a piece of the leaf, open it and smear its gel on any wound that we have done. But, did you know that, in addition to being potted, it can also be kept in the garden?
If you have a piece of land, even a small one, you can have one or more specimens of this wonderful plant. You just have to know when to plant Aloe vera in the garden. The answer you are looking for, we will give it to you right away 🙂.
What is the best time to plant it?
El Aloe vera, known as aloe, Barbados aloe or Curaçao aloe, is a succulent plant native to Arabia that has managed to become naturalized in subtropical and temperate regions around the world, including the Mediterranean. As you surely know, the leaves grow into a basal rosette, and are green -Only the youngest specimens may have whitish specks-.
Although it is a plant quite resistant to cold and frosts down to -3ºC, the best time to put it in the garden is at the end of winter, when the minimum temperature is 10 degrees Celsius or more. In the event that you bought it in autumn and you live in an area with a mild climate or without frost, you can plant it at any time of the year, unless it is flowering; If it is, wait for its flowers to fade.
How to transplant Aloe vera?
It is a plant that is very resistant, which recovers quickly from transplantation. However, you have to try not to manipulate its roots too muchWell, if we harm it, it will need more time to resume its growth. Also, planting it in the garden is not the same as in a pot, so let's see what steps to follow in each case:
In the garden
Do you want to have it in the garden? In that case, We recommend that you follow these indications:
- Choose a place where it can grow without being in direct sunlight.
- Drill a hole deep enough so it can fit well. If the soil is very compact, insert a piece of plastic mesh (such as shading) so that the walls of the hole are hidden, and fill it with peat mixed with perlite in equal parts.
- Now, take it out of the pot and insert it into the hole.
- Finish filling in the hole.
- Finally, all that remains is to water it.
Potted
If your plant takes roots out of the drainage holes in its 'old' pot, or if it has grown so large that it looks good that it has taken up the entire container, then you will have to plant it in another, following this step by step:
- First, choose a pot that is about 10 inches wider and deeper than the one you had.
- Then fill it about half full with mixed peat and perlite.
- Now, carefully extract the aloe from the pot, and place it in the center of the new one. Check that it is neither too high nor too low relative to the edge. If necessary, remove or add substrate.
- Finally, finish filling and water.
How to cultivate Aloe vera?
Finally, we are going to offer you some tips so that you can cultivate your Aloe vera and enjoy it for many years:
Irrigation
Solo you have to water your plant when the soil or substrate is completely dry. It can't stand waterlogging, so it's not a good idea to put a plate under the pot if it's in one either. And it is that, if the roots remain wet for a long time, in the end they rot and the aloe is spoiled.
But yes, when you water, pour plenty of water to hydrate it, because if you add just a little, the roots that are lower will not be able to quench their thirst.
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You can pay it with organic fertilizers. For example, if you add a handful of manure or compost once a week or every 15 days in spring and summer, you will make it grow very healthy and strong. Of course, it is also almost certain that it will get more suckers, but you can always give these to your loved ones or plant them in other areas of the garden, or in other pots.
Multiplication
The easiest and fastest way to multiply the Aloe vera es separating the suckers from the mother plant in spring or summer. When they measure about 4-5 centimeters, it will be a good time to remove them, since they will have the necessary strength and resistance to root in another place, if they are removed with something by the roots.
Pruning
Do you usually tear off leaves for personal use? That's fine, but do it carefully. That is, it is better to remove small pieces than whole leaves, and better a few pieces than many. If this is not done, we could lose it; although luckily, it grows fast, so you just have to have a little patience.
In no case should the new leaves be removed, only the old ones. You have to think that a lot of energy is spent in producing them, so if we take them away, it would weaken. Of course, and as we have been saying, you can also remove the suckers.
Do you want to buy one? do click here to obtain it. Enjoy your Aloe vera.