Cultivation:
In pots, the species requires well-drained sandy potting soil and bright sunny conditions; however, aloe plants can burn under too much sun or shrivel when the pot does not drain the rain. The use of a good-quality commercial propagation mix or pre-packaged "cacti and succulent mix" is recommended, as they allow good drainage. Terra cotta pots are preferable as they are porous. Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to re-watering. When potted aloes become crowded with "pups" growing from the sides of the "mother plant," they should be divided and re-potted to allow room for further growth and help prevent pest infestations. During winter,Aloe vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow, the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses
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How to take care of your Aloe Vera instructions
Detailed repotting Aloe directions:
I recommend repotting your Aloe Vera outside. It’s going to get messy. Perhaps open up a big trash bag to work over. Also, you might want to wear gardening gloves if you have sensitive skin. Some Aloe plants can be prickly.
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When Should I Water My Aloe Plant?
The best indication as to when you should water your Aloe plant should be determined by feeling the soil. Stick your finger in the soil about 2-3 inches and feel for dryness. Adjust to the pot size; Little pots/plants check the soil 1-2 inches and big pots/plants go deeper 3-4 inches or maybe a little more. Check the soil in a few different areas for dryness and make sure there is no moisture before watering again. Depending on the size of the pot it’s not uncommon for one portion of the soil to be dryer than another portion so give the soil a couple checks near the base of the plant.
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Here are a few mixtures you can create to give your soil the desert feel an aloe vera prefers: (Soil Recommendations)
1. Half Potting Soil, Half Sand: Perhaps the easiest and cheapest solution to your aloe vera soil dilemma is to simply mix your regular potting soil with the same amount of sand. You will want to use river sand, not beach sand.
2. Half Potting Soil, Half Granite Grit: Granite grit is simply crushed granite–that dark, granular igneous rock you might remember from high school earth science. Again, replacing a little bit of regular potting soil with granite grit will help meet your aloe vera plant’s special needs.
3. Potting Soil Made for Cactuses: If you visit your local gardening store, you can find many soil products lining the shelves made specifically for desert plants.
2. Half Potting Soil, Half Granite Grit: Granite grit is simply crushed granite–that dark, granular igneous rock you might remember from high school earth science. Again, replacing a little bit of regular potting soil with granite grit will help meet your aloe vera plant’s special needs.
3. Potting Soil Made for Cactuses: If you visit your local gardening store, you can find many soil products lining the shelves made specifically for desert plants.