How Often to Water Aloe Vera (3 Effective Ways)

All types of aloe vera grown indoors are succulents. As you know, succulents can store water in the leaves and stems.

Sometimes this property becomes the reason for the destruction of plants. As a grower, you might be convinced that this watery succulent needs a lot of water, but you’re not!

Dry between waterings and check the soil’s moisture level before watering again. Aloe vera needs water when the top 2 to 3 centimeters of soil are dry. The frequency of watering the aloe vera plant depends on the season, the soil, the type of pot, the growth phase of the plant. As a succulent, it can survive for a long time without receiving water. Overwatering can be fatal to your aloe plant as it promotes fungal diseases like root rot.

Therefore, you must accurately determine the watering schedule so as not to damage your aloe vera. Because too much water causes root and crown rot and can be fatal to the plant.

Signs of Aloe Vera need a glass of water

Aloe vera is native to Africa and therefore can tolerate a lot of drought and still thrive without a lot of water. Due to its ability to absorb water, this plant can survive longer without water.

So you can’t overwater this plant. But still, it needs water to survive. The question is, how do you know if your aloe vera needs a glass of water? Well, it’s very easy to find out.

The best way is to check the moisture content of the potting mix. Simply stick your finger into the soil to the second knuckle and feel the moisture. If the soil is moist enough, don’t water and if it’s dry, it’s time to water, that’s all.

Personally, I do this test with a pencil or a toothpick when I need to know quickly. I also have a moisture meter which is more accurate in determining moisture content.

Signs of flooded aloe vera

Now, there are outward signs of underwatering or lack of water that you will find on your aloe:

• Aloe vera leaves become thin and dry.
• brittle root
• Dry, brown spots on the leaves.
• curl aloe leaves
• Leaf margins brown and dry.
• Aloe has brown tips.
• Aloe leaves turn yellow

If you find any of these signs, check the soil’s moisture level and water well.

How often to water Aloe Vera?

The frequency of irrigation depends on many environmental factors, mainly temperature and humidity.

During the growing season, spring through late summer, finger water once a week or according to moisture test results. In particularly hot climates, you may need to water twice a week.

Out of season, aloe vera is prepared for winter rest, gradually transferred to water once a month.

I often hear the question: how to water aloe vera in winter? No more than twice a month! However, for each specific plant it is necessary to observe the frequency of irrigation individually.

In winter, the heating system works intensively, and the air in the room is usually dry.

The soil mixture in the planter dries out quickly, the aloe leaves thin out, and the plant depletes its moisture reserves.

In this case, it is necessary to water your aloe vera, taking into account the state of the soil mixture, and to prevent the tip from wilting or the leaves from bending.

Water the cuttings and runners

If you are using cuttings or suckers to make a new baby aloe, you need to know the rules for watering. For this I recommend lightly dusting the cut points with charcoal against infection.

aloe vera branches

Stick the cuttings or sprouts in the potting soil and place them in a well-ventilated area where there is plenty of light.

Do not water it with a watering can and do not wet the soil. Keep the soil surface moist for four weeks by sprinkling it. Then start watering sparingly when the root has established itself.

Water when transplanting.

Before transplanting into a large container of aloe, stop watering for two to three weeks. Do not water for at least five days after transplanting.

What water is best for aloe vera?

The type of water you use is important for aloe vera. It is very sensitive to the quality of the water it absorbs.

Tap water or city water contains chlorine, fluoride and other disinfectants to ensure it is safe for people.

But tap water is not suitable or safe for aloe vera. Chemicals that act as disinfectants can be harmful to your plant.

This type of water removes beneficial bacteria and microbes from the soil.

Beneficial microbes make the nutrient available for plant roots to absorb. Now you know how tap water can harm your aloe vera.

Here are the features to consider:

Quality: The water should be clean and free of harmful chemicals. In this case, rainwater or filtered water is the best option.

If you don’t have access to clean water, consider leaving tap water overnight, during which time the chlorine evaporates and the heavy impurities settle to the bottom.

In the winter, melting snow is another great option for collecting clean water for your aloe vera.

Temperature: Always try to use room temperature water. You know that water temperature changes with the season.

In winter, the water temperature can drop significantly, which is not suitable for aloe vera. Make sure the water is at normal room temperature, otherwise the cold will damage the roots and the plant.

Try to keep the water temperature between 20 and 23°F (68 and 72°F) in the spring and between 30 and 35°F (86 and 98°F) in the summer.

If you don’t heat the water, keep it in a warm room for a few hours, it will warm up to room temperature.

water pH: Aloe vera likes a slightly acidic environment. Therefore, it is best to add a little citric acid/lemon juice or vinegar (2-3 g per litre) to the water.

Important! I recommend adding a little aloe juice to the water. This acts as a dietary supplement and promotes healthy growth.

How to water Aloe Vera?

Irrigation is extremely important to ensure the health of aloe vera. This plant is vulnerable to root rot.

Root rot mainly occurs due to excess water. Too humid conditions are favorable to the genera Phytophthora and Pythium which cause rot. That’s why I water the aloe in the following way:

watering from above

If your plant is large enough, I recommend this method. The tall plant needs water that goes from the root neck to the lower layer of the root system. Use a watering can to create a thin stream of water near the side of the container.

Be careful not to drown the area. Standing water is not good for succulents. After half an hour of watering, you will notice that the container under the pot is full of water. Remove excess water or it will promote mold growth.

Important! With this method of irrigation, it is necessary to prevent water from entering the center of the aloe vera or the leaf axils. It can promote fungal infections and rotting of plant tissue.

bottom irrigation

You will need a bowl or similar container. Pour water into the container and place the aloe vera in it. Now the pot absorbs as much water as it needs.

The potting mix should have good drainage capacity to allow excess water to drain away from the root zone. Constant humidity will eventually cause serious damage.

Immerse

I like this way of watering my aloe vera as it is a very effective and efficient way. And you don’t need to water as often as usual.

Pot water dries up very quickly. Over time, the soil around the edge of the container will float.

When you water now, the water runs over the surface and enters the space between the container wall and the ground.

Most of it does not reach the root system. This is why you can have unlucky aloe vera even if you water regularly. Soaking is the best way to water.

Take a bucket of water and soak your aloe plant in it. Make sure the water level in the bucket is level with the rim of the pot. You are so

Now, you’ll see how it’s bubbling up here, and how the air pockets are bubbling up in this ground filling up with water. Water enters and air exits.

I like to let them sit and soak until all those bubbles are gone or just leave them there before you know it for ten to twenty minutes or more.

Once your potted aloe is completely soaked, simply remove it and let the excess water drain out.

Simultaneous watering and feeding for Aloe Vera

What if there was a way to promote the growth of your aloe by watering? Yes, you can add liquid fertilizer while watering.

Do this in the second half of spring, early summer, when this is the active growth phase of the plant.

You should feed as instructed, but there are a few rules to keep in mind:

1. Before fertilizing, the aloe is well watered, since fertilizing in dry soil can lead to burning of the root system.
2. Do not feed sick and weak plants.
3. Do not fertilize your aloe vera plant if it is for medical purposes.

You can use crushed eggshells as a food source for aloe plants. Before use, wash and dry well.

Pour the powdered shells into 3 liters of hot water and let them sit for a week. You can then water the aloe using the eggshell infusion.

Infusion of onion husks well destroys pathogenic microbes in the soil mixture. Add 15 g of onion to 5-6 liters of lukewarm water and boil for 3 minutes. Now let it cool to room temperature and use it to water the aloe vera.

conclusion

The health of aloe vera, including the root system, depends on the correct irrigation procedure. The moisture content of the soil, together with adequate lighting, has a significant impact on the formation of new leaves and shoots.

It is important to maintain the frequency of irrigation and the amount of water according to the time of year and the life cycle of your aloe vera.