Lawn & Garden - Aloe Vera Plant Care
About Aloe Vera Plant Care
Introduction
Aloe Vera plant is a succulent semitropical cactus-like plant belonging to the lily family. It consists of 95% water and is extremely frost tender. Though it is said to grow very slowly in the house, Aloe Vera is normally cultivated as an indoor, ornamental plant. Given sufficient amount of light, Aloe Vera can actually be an excellent house plant. Among other things, light and water are 2 important elements that must be considered in the proper care of Aloe Vera plant. The plant requires low maintenance as long as its light and water requirements are adequately satisfied. 
Light Requirement
Light is crucial for the well being of the Aloe Vera plant. Insufficient amount of light causes the leaves to go flat instead of curving upwards. But too much exposure to very strong sunlight can also harm Aloe Vera causing its leaves to go brown. It is therefore very important that the plant be kept in indirect light.
Aloe Vera can be grown outdoors during warm sunny months but it must later be returned indoors to a stable heat or a heated greenhouse. If grown outdoors in warm climates, it is recommended that it be planted in full sun, or light shade.
On the other hand, in areas with very mild climate, it is best to leave the plant in the pot and place it near a window that gets a lot of sun. Aloe Vera plant, when grown indoors, must have a temperature of at least 55°F/13°C.
Water Requirement
Aloe Vera, being a succulent plant, stores a large quantity of water within its leaves and root system, and as such, the plant is in greater danger of over watering than under watering.
Watering should be minimal during the winter months when the plant is somewhat dormant and utilizes very little moisture. Since drying out is slow during this period, a cup or two of water is enough to satisfy water requirement of the plant, and soil must be completely dry when watering. During the summer months, on the other hand, soil must be completely soaked, but it should also be allowed to become fairly dry before re-watering. Aloe Vera is very sensitive to tap (fluorinated) water. Using tap water on Aloe Vera plant causes brown spots on its leaves and even bruising. Thus, it is recommended that spring water or rain water be used in watering the plant.
Other Factors to Consider in Aloe Vera Plant Care
Re-Potting
Repotting is necessary when the upper plant gets too heavy and the shoots or pups grow to about 3 to 4 inches high causing the leaves to spread horizontally rather than vertically. Wide planter must be used when repotting to accommodate the plant’s shallow, spreading root system. A good commercial potting mix with extra perlite, granite grit or coarse sand is ideal for repotting. In order to provide good drainage to the plant, it is recommended that a layer of 1-2 inch gravel or pebble be laid at the bottom of the pot. Soil Requirement
Aloe Vera plant will grow with any kind of soil but it would be better to plant it in a moderately fertile, and fast draining soil. As a house plant, Aloe Vera will grow very well in gritty/sandy compost.
Fertilizer Requirement
It is recommended to fertilize the plant yearly, particularly during spring, using a diluted (half strength) bloom type fertilizer (10-40-10).
