Types of Aloe Vera Plants
Now that we know some general facts about aloe vera, let’s discuss different types of aloe vera plants. Aloe vera plants come in a variety of textures and heights. Some types include tiger aloe, lace aloe and blue aloe.
ALOE PLANT CARE
Pruning/Maintenance:
Once established, aloes require very little care. If a tree-like species develops a “petticoat” of old foliage, it’s best to leave the drooping leaves as they protect the trunk from temperature extremes and sunburn.
Soil:
Aloes aren’t particular about the type of soil; however, it must drain well. Like all succulents, aloes store water in their leaves. Plants will rot in soil that has excess moisture that they don’t need.
How often to water aloe:
Aloe vera plants are drought resistant, so they can survive with minimal watering. However, not watering your aloe vera plant will shorten its lifespan. An appropriate way to water an aloe vera plant is to water thoroughly and let the excess water drain. Then, water again when the top inch of soil is dry. This allows for optimal aloe vera growth.
An indication that your aloe vera plant is not receiving enough water is brown leaf tips. However, a more common indication of improper watering is black spots on the leaves due to overwatering. Overwatering can be more dangerous than under watering because it could lead to root rot.
How to propagate aloe:
Offsets that grow at the base of the plant can be separated in late spring or early summer. Re-plant them in a standard cactus potting mix.
Diseases and pests:
Aloes can be susceptible to mealy bugs, scale and various forms of rot — usually caused by overwatering and inadequate drainage. Deer tend to stay away from aloe due to the serrated leaf edges and thorns or spines on some; although, no plant is completely safe if deer are hungry enough.
Other:
For occasional overnight freezes, cover outdoor aloes with a large plastic container or plant blanket. If the cold snap is longer, a thick layer of mulch or straw will help protect the roots.
ALOE VERA
Often grown as an easy-care houseplant, Aloe vera grows well in sandy, well-drained soil such as a cactus potting mix. Water your Aloe vera plant deeply, but not too often, allowing the soil to completely dry to a depth of 1 to 2 inches between watering. They prefer tight quarters and keeping them slightly root bound will help promote blooming when grown indoors.
Toxicity:
Aloe vera plants are widely used for health and medicinal purposes; however, there are parts of the plant that can be toxic. Just inside the outer skin of the leaves, is a layer of yellow juice (aloin) that can cause skin irritation to people or animals with latex allergies and serious digestive issues if ingested. Aloe vera plants should always be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
How to cut an aloe vera plant:
In order to safely use the beneficial gel inside the aloe leaves, cut the leaf from the base of the plant and slice it in half lengthwise (like a fillet). Scrape out the clear gel in the center of the leaf, leaving behind the layer close to the skin. Don’t cut the plant leaves and squeeze the gel out, as you’ll get some of the aloin with it. Aloe leaves can also be placed vertically to drain out the aloin after cutting.
HOW TO GET YOUR ALOE VERA TO FLOWER
Mature aloe vera plants occasionally produce a tall flower spike—called an inflorescence—from which dozens of tubular yellow or red blossoms appear. This certainly adds another level of interest to the already lovely aloe!
Unfortunately, a bloom is rarely achievable with aloes that are kept as houseplants, since the plant requires nearly ideal conditions to produce flowers: lots of light, sufficient water, and the right temperature range. Due to these requirements (mainly lighting), aloe flowers are usually only seen on plants grown outdoors year-round in warm climates.
To give your aloe the best shot at flowering:
Provide it with as much light as possible, especially during spring and summer. Aloes can be kept outdoors in full sun during the summer, when temperatures are above 70°F (21°C). If nighttime temps threaten to drop below 60°F (16°C), bring the aloe inside.
Note: Don’t move your aloe from indoors to full sun right away; it needs time to adjust to the intense light or it may sunburn. Allow it to sit in partial shade for about a week before moving it to a brighter location.
Make sure the plant is getting the right amount of water—enough to keep it from drying out completely, but not enough to drown it! If the plant’s being kept outdoors, make sure that it’s not getting consistently soaked by summer rains.
Give your aloe a proper dormancy period in the fall and winter. Aloe tend to bloom in late winter or early spring, so giving them a period of rest consisting of less frequent watering and cooler temperatures may encourage them to flower.
Don’t be surprised if it still doesn’t flower. Despite our best efforts, indoor conditions just aren’t ideal for most aloes, so don’t be surprised if yours simply refuses to bloom!
Pruning/Maintenance:
Once established, aloes require very little care. If a tree-like species develops a “petticoat” of old foliage, it’s best to leave the drooping leaves as they protect the trunk from temperature extremes and sunburn.
Soil:
Aloes aren’t particular about the type of soil; however, it must drain well. Like all succulents, aloes store water in their leaves. Plants will rot in soil that has excess moisture that they don’t need.
How often to water aloe:
Aloe vera plants are drought resistant, so they can survive with minimal watering. However, not watering your aloe vera plant will shorten its lifespan. An appropriate way to water an aloe vera plant is to water thoroughly and let the excess water drain. Then, water again when the top inch of soil is dry. This allows for optimal aloe vera growth.
An indication that your aloe vera plant is not receiving enough water is brown leaf tips. However, a more common indication of improper watering is black spots on the leaves due to overwatering. Overwatering can be more dangerous than under watering because it could lead to root rot.
How to propagate aloe:
Offsets that grow at the base of the plant can be separated in late spring or early summer. Re-plant them in a standard cactus potting mix.
Diseases and pests:
Aloes can be susceptible to mealy bugs, scale and various forms of rot — usually caused by overwatering and inadequate drainage. Deer tend to stay away from aloe due to the serrated leaf edges and thorns or spines on some; although, no plant is completely safe if deer are hungry enough.
Other:
For occasional overnight freezes, cover outdoor aloes with a large plastic container or plant blanket. If the cold snap is longer, a thick layer of mulch or straw will help protect the roots.
ALOE VERA
Often grown as an easy-care houseplant, Aloe vera grows well in sandy, well-drained soil such as a cactus potting mix. Water your Aloe vera plant deeply, but not too often, allowing the soil to completely dry to a depth of 1 to 2 inches between watering. They prefer tight quarters and keeping them slightly root bound will help promote blooming when grown indoors.
Toxicity:
Aloe vera plants are widely used for health and medicinal purposes; however, there are parts of the plant that can be toxic. Just inside the outer skin of the leaves, is a layer of yellow juice (aloin) that can cause skin irritation to people or animals with latex allergies and serious digestive issues if ingested. Aloe vera plants should always be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
How to cut an aloe vera plant:
In order to safely use the beneficial gel inside the aloe leaves, cut the leaf from the base of the plant and slice it in half lengthwise (like a fillet). Scrape out the clear gel in the center of the leaf, leaving behind the layer close to the skin. Don’t cut the plant leaves and squeeze the gel out, as you’ll get some of the aloin with it. Aloe leaves can also be placed vertically to drain out the aloin after cutting.
HOW TO GET YOUR ALOE VERA TO FLOWER
Mature aloe vera plants occasionally produce a tall flower spike—called an inflorescence—from which dozens of tubular yellow or red blossoms appear. This certainly adds another level of interest to the already lovely aloe!
Unfortunately, a bloom is rarely achievable with aloes that are kept as houseplants, since the plant requires nearly ideal conditions to produce flowers: lots of light, sufficient water, and the right temperature range. Due to these requirements (mainly lighting), aloe flowers are usually only seen on plants grown outdoors year-round in warm climates.
To give your aloe the best shot at flowering:
Provide it with as much light as possible, especially during spring and summer. Aloes can be kept outdoors in full sun during the summer, when temperatures are above 70°F (21°C). If nighttime temps threaten to drop below 60°F (16°C), bring the aloe inside.
Note: Don’t move your aloe from indoors to full sun right away; it needs time to adjust to the intense light or it may sunburn. Allow it to sit in partial shade for about a week before moving it to a brighter location.
Make sure the plant is getting the right amount of water—enough to keep it from drying out completely, but not enough to drown it! If the plant’s being kept outdoors, make sure that it’s not getting consistently soaked by summer rains.
Give your aloe a proper dormancy period in the fall and winter. Aloe tend to bloom in late winter or early spring, so giving them a period of rest consisting of less frequent watering and cooler temperatures may encourage them to flower.
Don’t be surprised if it still doesn’t flower. Despite our best efforts, indoor conditions just aren’t ideal for most aloes, so don’t be surprised if yours simply refuses to bloom!
