Aloe vera (Aloe vera) is a native of Africa and is used for its succulent plant parts that can be grown either indoors or directly in the open field. It's popular for its medicinal value and ideal also as an ornamental decorative in your patio and along the pathways.
This plant is easy to grow and does not need much attention once they're already fully established. You need only to plant them in a well drained soil rich with organic materials to sustain the plant's growth.
Ways to Keep Proper Care of Aloe Vera Plant
1. Moderate supply of sunlight
Enough supply of sunshine is a requirement for the success of your Aloe vera plant. But too much sunlight is not also good for the plant, therefore moderate amount of sunshine should be monitored as much as possible.
If you raise them as indoor plant, make sure to provide an ample amount of sunlight. Place them in an east-west direction in your patio or windowsill not to be exposed to direct sunlight. And place them indoors during winter months but provide with a sufficient amount of light.
2. Soil and nutrients requirement
Keep the soil free from water accumulation. It should be well-drained rich with organic materials when planted in beds. If planted in containers, provide a soil mixture composed of sand, pumice and perlite. You can also buy some ready made potting mix sold in agriculture stores in your area.
For maintaining your soil's nutritional needs, apply a diluted plant mix solution once a year during spring months.
3. Water requirement
Aloe vera does not need too much water since they have stored water in their leaves, but they should be watered when you noticed that the soil dries up. You can apply water to the plants 1 - 2 times a month. When you grow them in containers, see to it that there's a drainage below the pot to provide as drainage for excess water.
4. Plant maintenance
Aloe vera is a fast growing plant, and that they produces lots of shoots. If you noticed some outgrown shoots, thin down some of the extra shoots and replant them when they're 3 - 4 inches long in a separate prepared beds or when you repot them in another containers filled with your prepared soil mix.
Water the new replanted shoots after planting and leave for the next 3 weeks before watering them again.
If you want to harvest the leaves, only cut those which are closest to the ground. Aloe vera plant is sensitive to frost, so you need to place them indoors, during these seasons.
Otherwise, it is very easy to take care of the plant. You can also grow some aloe vera plants and enjoy its benefits.
Happy gardening!
Cris Ramasasa, Freelance writer, writes about home gardening and Internet marketing tips. You can get a copy of his latest e book "Discover How to get started in Flower Gardening" and "Vegetable Gardening Made Easy", also get lots of tips, Free articles, and bonuses at: http://www.crisramasasa.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Crisologo_Ramasasa
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5832314
