When cultivating aloe vera plants, the right substrate is essential for the vitality of the sun worshiper. It must meet certain criteria so that the succulent feels comfortable in the bucket. Aloe vera can be kept in this soil for a long period of time.

In a nutshell

  • Aloe vera prefers light soil
  • low in humus and rich in nutrients
  • must be permeable
  • thrives well in dry substrate
  • Recommendation: mix aloe vera soil yourself

5 important criteria for aloe soil

permeable

One of the most important criteria for an ideal aloe vera pot soil is permeability. The succulents are extremely sensitive to waterlogging and must therefore be protected from it. You therefore need drainage that is worked directly into the succulent soil. This improves the structure of the substrate so that the aloe does not suffer from constant moisture stress.

Easy

Real aloes do not need humus in the soil and prefer light soil. Above all, the air permeability is appreciated by the Arabian plants, since their roots must not start to rot. This, along with overwatering, can quickly lead to root rot, which you must prevent at all costs.

lime content

Another important point when mixing the substrate for the aloe is the need for lime. This can already be seen from the pH value, which is most suitable for the aloe plants. They thrive best in substrates that have a pH of 6.0 to 7.2. Because of this, you don't need a lot of lime, but it is necessary to keep the pH high enough. The aloe does not tolerate strongly acidic soils in any form. Lime is therefore important when using very light soil for planting.

For a healthy development of the plant, regular repotting of the aloe - of course in an optimal substrate - is recommended.

low in nutrients

Aloe vera plants only need a few nutrients in the pot substrate. In most cases, it is sufficient to regularly supply the plants with a liquid fertilizer. The soil used for the plants is usually pre-fertilized and thus provides the plant with nutrients for a while. But you don't have to mix anything into the soil yourself to make it more nutritious.

Dry

As already mentioned, aloes prefer a well-drained substrate. In general, you should avoid a moist substrate, because the plant copes well with drought. Aloe vera would not tolerate soil that is too moist as the soil is usually heavier. This has a negative effect on root growth and should therefore be avoided.

Notice: Despite the preferred drought, aloes need to be watered regularly. Once a week after a finger test is sufficient.

Mix the substrate yourself

You now know the criteria for a suitable aloe soil. This will make it easier for you to find a good growing medium for the unique succulents. They are better suited for the succulents as they are neither too heavy nor compacting. Since the aloe is a succulent, appropriate potting soil can be used for the plants. The following are the best basis:

  • cactus soil
  • succulent soil

These two are permeable and have the necessary structure for the aloes to thrive. If you don't want to buy them, you can mix your own variant.

You can also easily mix the substrate for aloe plants yourself.

Make sure that you buy a high-quality universal soil without peat. It offers the necessary structure, but you still have to adapt it a bit. For this you need:

  • quartz sand
  • drainage material (expanded clay, perlite)
  • Primary rock flour (granite, basalt)
  • garden lime

In combination with these substances, the conventional universal soil becomes a suitable pot substrate for the real aloe. Simply mix the components together according to the following mixing ratio and you have the ideal soil for your aloe vera:

  • 5 parts universal soil
  • 3 parts drainage material
  • 1 part quartz sand
  • 1 part primary rock flour
  • max. 1 tablespoon of garden lime

Notice: You could put the real aloe in conventional potting soil and loosen it up a bit, but this will noticeably slow down growth. In addition, you have to repot more often because the soil gives the roots less space.

frequently asked Questions

When should aloe vera plants be repotted?

Repotting is important to keep the succulent from getting too big over time. On average, you have to repot the aloe every two to five years. Use childlets and root growth as a guide. If the soil is rooted, they must be repotted. Check the root ball before planting it in fresh planting medium. No need to repot before winter.

Can Seramis be used as an alternative?

Yes, you can also plant your aloe in seramis or similar granules. It is important that you completely remove the remaining soil from the roots beforehand, otherwise rotting problems can occur. You also need to keep an eye on the plant's nutrient balance as Seramis is not ideal for this. To improve the hold in the granules, tap the bucket several times after potting.

Is potting soil from your own garden suitable for aloes?

If you do not use heavy garden soil, this is also suitable for the aloes. Just make sure you fill it up well with sand, drainage material and some lime if it's not already included. It is also important that you sterilize the garden soil in the microwave or oven beforehand. This protects the plant from pathogens and pest eggs.

Category:

Garden design