Guide on Proper Maintenance for Aloe Vera Plant

There are uncountable medical benefits if Aloe Vera because of its natural anti-bacterial and antioxidant elements. It heals burns and wounds, lowers blood sugar levels, and treats bacterial and fungal skin infections, and so on. Aloe Vera is expensive because it is in high demand, cut the costs of buying aloe Vera plant by planting them at home. Here is how to take care of the aloe Vera plant.

Buy an Aloe Vera plant that is healthy from a reputable florist in the first place to mitigate the risk of it dying because of diseases. Look out for rotting and fungus on the plant because they are the most common signs of diseases. Environmental friendly pesticides should be used on Aloe Vera to keep pests like mites, aphids, and mealybugs away from it. They feed on the plant and affect its growth. These pests cause yellow patches, stunted growth, and galls on the plant. 

The place you will keep the Aloe Vera should allow enough sunlight to get to it, such as near the windows or balconies that face south or west if you have to keep it indoors. The place should not allow direct sunlight to hit the plant because it can get burnt. Inadequate sunlight will make the leaves wither, turn yellow, and eventually drop from the stem. Avoid putting the plat where there is frost since most of its mass is because of water. Slightest frost can damage it severely.

Find out if Aloe Vera thrives in your region. The climate and soil of the place may not be supportive of Aloe Vera to grow. However, you can create a conducive environment by keeping it at an appropriate location in the house, as mentioned above. You can also but soil for potting from the florist. They know soil type that is suitable for Aloe Vera. It needs well-drained soils; hence, you will need to add pebbles into the pot and make holes on the sides of the pot to drain away excess water.

Water the soil only after it shows signs of drying but do not allow it to dry up to the extent of cracking. You will be depriving it of water. Aloe Vera is a succulent; thus, it needs very little water to survive. Watering it daily or twice a day is not advisable. The water will stagnate into the pot and make it rot. Water it once a week in summer and at least once after three weeks in winter. Test the wetness of the soil with your finger and water the plant if the soil is two inches dry. Wait for at least a week before you water aloe Vera that has been reported to give it enough time to adjust to the condition of the new soil.

Fertilizer is essential to boost its nutrition. Do not use too much fertilizer because it will go to waste. Fertilize it once or twice each month at the same time you are watering it. The water will dissolve the fertilizer for quick absorption by the plant. Dilute the fertilizer and water the plant.

All plants need pruning for healthy growth. Trim the leaves but do it the right way to avoid damaging the plant. Avoid over-pruning because it needs enough leaves for photosynthesis. Check the plant regularly for signs of diseases and remove the affected leaves. 

Replanting the offsets needs to be carefully done. These are tiny plants that sprout from the main plant, and they are popularly known as pups or babies to other people. Detach them from the main plant using a pair of scissors, pruning shears or knives when they are fully formed. Keep them in a warm and moisturized place for a few days for callus to form over the cut before placing them in a pot of soil. The callus prevents rotting.

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