The juice of aloe vera forms the basis for medicinal and care products. The plant with the thick fleshy leaves is very popular as a houseplant. When and how often does the real aloe have to be watered?
In a nutshell
- Aloe is native to the warm and sunny Mediterranean region
- Avoid waterlogging
- Do not wet leaves with water
- Observe water hardness and lime content
- Hydroponics recommended
aloe vera
Aloe vera comes from the Mediterranean region. She loves warmth and sun. Aloe has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries. The juice extracted from its leaves is considered a medicinal and beauty elixir.
In this country it is popular as a houseplant. Its fleshy leaves are arranged in a rosette, surrounded by thorns. The extravagant inflorescence appears at the beginning of the year. Orange, yellow or white tubular flowers are arranged around a vertical, sparsely branched flower stalk.
In order for aloe vera to produce strong leaves and beautiful flowers, it needs a suitable location and some care. If you want to cultivate them in the apartment or on the balcony, you should pay attention to the special requirements of the aloe when watering.
6 watering tips
Avoid waterlogging
All succulents, including aloe, are sensitive to waterlogging. Water the substrate penetratingly. Immediately remove excess water from the trivet.
Tip: Good drainage reduces the risk of rot caused by waterlogging. We recommend a thick drainage layer of potsherds and gravel.
Do not wet leaves with water
Always water directly onto the substrate, never onto the leaves!
The thick aloe leaves must not be wetted with water. Only water the substrate. Place potted plants on the balcony and terrace so that they are protected from the rain.
Water little
Real aloe stores moisture in its thick leaves. It can withstand prolonged drought well. How often it needs to be watered depends on the condition of the substrate surface. Water whenever the top layer is dry during the growing season. More than one or two waterings per week are not necessary. In winter, when the aloe is in a cool place, watering is not necessary.
Tip: A cool hibernation has a beneficial effect on the flowering of the aloe.
Use low lime irrigation water
The extravagant houseplant is sensitive to hard water. Check the lime content of the drinking water in the region. It is best to use rainwater to water the aloe.
note the time
The best time to water the aloe is in the morning.
Use a suitable substrate
The risk of waterlogging can be reduced by using a permeable substrate. We recommend a nutrient-poor, calcareous, sandy substrate.
Aloe Vera in hydroponics
To avoid any problems when watering the aloe, hydroponics is recommended as an alternative. It is perfect for aloes that are sensitive to waterlogging and whose leaves must not be wetted with water. The optimal supply of water and nutrients is ensured in modern hydroponic systems.
Novel plant substrates consist of expanded clay pellets, which are durable and store moisture in their pores.
Advantages of hydroponics:
- water storage over a long period of time
- Moisture release as needed
- Prevention of waterlogging
- optimal nutrient supply
frequently asked Questions
What can be the reason for the tips of the aloe leaves turning red?Red discoloration of the leaf tips is a sign of a lack of moisture. Water your plant weekly in spring and summer. Check the dryness of the substrate surface with your finger.
How often should the aloe vera be sprayed with water?It is not necessary to spray the leaves of aloe with water. It can damage the plant, especially on cool days when quick drying is not guaranteed. Only spray the aloe on warm, dry days to rid the leaves of dust.
How often should you water aloe cuttings?Aloe vera can easily be propagated by offshoots. The small plants cannot yet store much moisture in their leaves and are dependent on regular watering. Water the young plants twice a week. Remove the water from the planter or trivet to prevent waterlogging.
Can aloe overwinter in hydroponics?Even in winter, hydroponics perfectly meets the needs of the plant. Put the aloe in a cool, not too bright place. Photosynthesis is shut down and the houseplant draws strength for the next spring.