Can you have aloe vera at home? It is a plant that is not usually missing in any collection of succulents, because in addition to not requiring much care, it has multiple properties. As if that were not enough, it produces a very decorative yellow flower (inflorescence, in fact) from the age of 4 years.
But, in general, it is an outdoor plant, because it needs a lot of light. Now if you’re wondering how to take care of aloe vera insidethen we’ll tell you.
Contents
What pot and soil do you need?
Aloe vera is a plant that cannot tolerate excess water in its roots. For this reason, It should be planted in a pot that has holes in the base, and is the right size so that it can grow well for a while. In this sense, if, for example, it is in one that measures 10 centimeters in diameter, the next must measure between 15 and 18 centimeters, and even 20 if we try not to water it too much.
On land, it must be light, that is, it must weigh little, and it must also drain water quickly.. To avoid complicating the task, you can use soil for cacti and succulents from the Flower, Boix or Fertiberia brands. If you want them, just click on the links.
When should it be transplanted?
The pot will be changed when the roots come out through its drainage holes, or when we see that it has produced so many suckers that it has no room to continue growing. But yes, you have to do it in the springnot in winter, because the plant needs warmth to overcome the graft and thus be able to continue growing.
Where should it be placed?
It is a plant that needs a lot of light, but should not be placed directly in front of a window because it will burn the leaves. Therefore, it is best to place it in a room where, yes, there are windows, but away from them. In addition, it is important to rotate the pot a little every day so that all parts of the aloe receive the same amount of light, thus preventing them from withering (i.e. they grow too much in one direction: that of a more powerful light source, such as the reflection on a piece of furniture for example).
Besides, should not be placed in a place where there are drafts, such as those generated by fans or the air conditioner. If this were done, the tips of the leaves would dry out.
When and how to water aloe vera indoors?
Irrigation will only be done occasionally. It is a plant that is very resistant to drought, but not to excess water. For him, it is important to water when the soil is dry. To find out, it is strongly recommended to weigh the pot as soon as it is watered, and again after a few days.
And it is that moist soil weighs more than dry soil, so this difference in weight can be a very useful and reliable guide to know when to water. However, keep in mind that indoors it takes much longer to dry, so you may only need to rehydrate it once a week during the summer, and every 10 or 15 days the rest of the year.
Also, when the time comes, you have to pour the water into the soil, until it comes out through the drainage holes of the pot. This will ensure proper hydration. In the event that there is a saucer under the pot or is in a container without holes, we must remember to empty it in order to prevent the roots from drowning.
Do you have to pay?
Yes of course. From early spring until it begins to cool in autumn, it is highly recommended to fertilize the aloe vera. To do this, we will use liquid fertilizers such as guano, or fertilizers also in liquid form such as cacti and succulents from Flower.
In any case, you must follow the instructions for use that we will find on the packaging; otherwise, we would run the risk of causing major damage to the plant.
What problems the aloe vera inside?
Sometimes we can make a mistake, so it is important to know what problems our houseplant may have:
- Fallen leaves, without strength: if your plant looks “open”, it means that it lacks light. Take her to a room where there is plenty of light.
- Soft and rotten leaves: probably due to excess water. Change soil without touching the roots too much and plant it in a pot with a hole in its base. Therefore, water less often.
- closed leaves: lack of water. You need to water more often.
- does not bloom: the truth is that it has trouble blooming indoors. You can help it by feeding it with an all-purpose fertilizer or for flowering plants in the spring, but if you can, it’s best to take it outside and put it in partial or partial shade.
We hope you can enjoy your aloe vera grown indoors.