ALOE VERA
The aloe vera plant is an easy, attractive succulent that makes for a great indoor companion. Aloe vera plants are useful, too, as the juice from their leaves can be used to relieve pain from scrapes and burns when applied topically. Here’s how to grow and care for aloe vera plants in your home!
GETTING STARTED
Step 1 - Unwrap your new Aloe Vera carefully.
Step 2 - Water thoroughly if soil is dry. Don’t water it for at least a week. This will decrease the chance of inducing rot and give the plant time to put out new roots. Until the plant seems to be rooted and happy, keep it in a warm place that receives bright but indirect light.
Happy Planting!
LIGHT
Aloe Vera Thrives in bright direct light, but can tolerate bright to medium indirect light. A western or southern window is ideal. Aloe that are kept in low light often grow leggy.
SOIL
This plant can well with cactus soil, and prefers a soil that drains well.
WATER
Water it sparingly, but do not overwater it. The Aloe likes to dry out in-between waterings and doesn’t like to stay soggy.
TEMPERATURES
Any of the species of the Aloe plant will thrive at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but will also do fine in warmer temperatures. However, below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves may become discolored or damaged.
PLANT FOOD
The plant doesn't require much, if any, feeding. At most, use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, applied bimonthly. More aggressive feeding can cause the plant's leaves to lose their variegation.
ADDITIONAL CARE
It helps to dust off the leaves every once and while so it gets pure sun!