Growing an Aloe Vera Plant at home - Everything you need to know

Aloe Vera is a wonderful plant that has numerous benefits. If grown at home, this plant can be used to treat burns and scars, and can be used in your skincare routine because of its properties. This succulent has been present in households for a long time, and if you are also interested in growing the plant in your home, then this blog will provide you with all the essential details that you need to know. 

Is it easy to grow Aloe vera?

Although there are numerous indoor plants that don't need a lot of care and maintenance, Aloe Vera is not one of them. It is quite easy for people to grow Aloe Vera. With basic Aloe plant care, you can cultivate a healthy crop of this plant in your home or even outdoors. Native to Africa, this plant grows well in sandy soil that is generally considered poor for other plants. One of the biggest things to keep in mind is that it is always useful to get a starter plant, rather than seeds, to grow aloe vera easily. 

Now, take a look at the basic conditions that you need to provide to the plant for healthy growth. 

• Soil

Aloe vera plants need to be grown in soil that provides excellent drainage. The plant naturally grows in areas that have dry weather and sandy soils that are highly permeable. You can either use a cactus potting mix or combine equal parts soil, sand, and gravel. Indoor plants should be in a container with holes in the base to allow water to drain.

The planting process requires you to cover the root ball with soil while keeping the leaves raised above the ground because direct soil contact will result in leaf decay. The leaves should be prevented from touching the surface of the soil by covering it with gravel or small stones, which will also keep the plant balanced and stop water from disappearing.

• Watering

Your aloe plant needs no water during its first three days of planting because this time allows its roots to recover. Your aloe vera plant requires water only when the soil reaches a dry condition, which extends three inches into the ground. You need to apply water to the soil until it reaches a saturation point without allowing the water to create puddles. Your plant needs watering two times each month during the winter season, but only when its soil has become completely dry.

• Sunlight & Temperature

Aloe plants require 8 to 10 hours of sunlight, which can be either direct or indirect, so they thrive in warm to hot environments. The plants can spend time outside during their dormant phase, but they need to stay inside when temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. People need to observe the plant's behavior because flat, low leaves indicate a need for additional sunlight, while brown leaves indicate leaf burning, which requires moving the plant into shaded areas.

• Fertilizer

Aloe vera plants need no fertilizer because they can achieve their full growth potential without it. The plant thrives in environments that provide minimal nutrients because it grows in low-quality soil. Your young aloe vera plants will receive a beneficial growth boost when you fertilize them during springtime at yearly intervals.