How to Pot Aloe
The Aloe vera is a semi-tropical succulent plant that is indigenous to the warm, dry climates in Africa, noted for a variety of healing virtues. Aloe (Aloe barbadensis), also called Aloe vera, Barbados Aloe, Lily of the Desert and Curacao Aloe, is in the liliaceae plant family. Aloes planted in pots require well-drained soil, a sunny location and proper amounts of water to maintain healthy growth. Aloe vera plants are very disease-resistant, easy to grow and require minimum care after planting. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Perlite, sand, pumice and grit
- Cactus potting soil (optional)
- Pot with drain holes and saucer
- Fertilizer (10-40-10)
Instructions
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Purchase an Aloe vera plant with firm, upright leaves at a certified, disease-free plant nursery.
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Select a shallow pot, as Aloe vera's rhizomes (roots) spread outward rather than downward. The ultimate size of potted Aloes is determined by how much root space they have. Be sure the pot you choose has drain holes in the bottom and a saucer to catch excess water.
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3
Fill the pot half-full with a soil mixture of perlite, sand, pumice and grit, or a commercial cactus potting mix.
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Set the Aloe plant in the center of the pot and add enough additional soil to cover the root system. Pat the soil firmly in place with your hand.
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5
Place the potted Aloe vera in the sink and drench it thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
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6
Put the saucer under the potted Aloe and set it in a location near a window with a southern exposure.
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Drench the Aloe plant with water every two weeks, or when the soil is completely dry.
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Fertilize the Aloe vera plant once a year with a half-strength solution of 10-40-10 granular fertilizer.
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Tips & Warnings
Re-pot the Aloe every spring to promote optimal plant growth.
Set the Aloe plant outdoors in a protected site for several weeks annually. Bring the Aloe plant indoors before the first winter frost.
Don’t let the Aloe plant sit in water; this will rot its roots.
If the leaves of the Aloe plant turn yellow or get soft and mushy, reduce the amount of water.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit small potted cactus plant image by Wimbledon from Fotolia.com
Comments
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That picture is not an Aloe, it's a Haworthia.
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rainlily
Jul 16, 2010
I learned something new about aloes in this article. I didn't realize their roots grew out rather than down! Great and informative article.
