A very easy plant to grow, and yet often gardeners have problems with growing Aloe barbadensis or Aloe Vera as it is commonly known.
We are often asked, can you grow them outside ? The answer is yes, however one of the big issues is the amount of sun, and despite what you may read, Aloe Vera does not like a lot of hot very sun. It is also a plant that does not cope well with cold wet winters, and may turn brown in these conditions. The good thing is that when spring comes around, it will usually spring back to life.
We are also asked do they flower? Yes they do, however only on well established plants in the right growing conditions.
So here are our top tips to grow this popular plant in your garden or in a container.
Basic Care
If you can, grow Aloe Vera away from frosts, and the heat of the afternoon sun you will be on the road to success.
Aloe vera is often grown in containers where it can moved to a position that receives good morning sun, and afternoon shade. It can then be brought into a protected warmer position during cooler months.
Good drainage is essential, although they like water during summer, they do like to be in a free draining position. They should be allowed to almost dry out between watering.
Low humidity is important, so allow good air circulation, not to many pests although mealy bugs can be a problem.
The small offsets or ‘pups’ that appear at the base of older plants can be removed with a sharp blade, set aside to ‘heal’ (dry out for 2- 3 days) and then planted out. Propagation by seed is also possible, but slow.
Fertilizer can applied in spring in the form of a property cactus fertiliser or a diluted liquid seaweed, one or two applications a year is usually plenty.
Summary Growing Conditions for Aloe Vera.
- Grow in a well drained soil or potting mix.
- Grow in a frost free position.
- Grow away from the heat of the afternoon summer sun.
- Grow away from cold drafts and winds.
- Water only when dry.
- Fertilise twice a year.
Aloe Vera Turning Brown
Four main Causes
- Light – The general thought is that Aloe vera likes at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
This is sort of true HOWEVER, is hot climates, during summer this much sun will quickly burn the leaves and they will turn brown.
In summer we suggest light shade in the afternoon. In winter good direct sun as long as the temperature is not to cold.
If think your aloe vera is becoming sunburnt, move it into light shade, and if growing indoors move it away from the window.
If it is summer, and the tips of the leaves are turning brown, it may be under watering. - Watering – Aloes are a succulent and store water in the leaves, so overwatering can be another cause of the leaves browning.
At the other extreme, a lack of water over long periods can also cause leaves to turn brown. Water less in winter.
Water only when the soil has dried out - Soil – Poor Drainage – Like all succulents. good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
- Temperature Fluctuations. – Cold wet weather can also cause the leaves to brown and die back, they are plants that do not like cold winters and may need to moved indoors in cold climates.
Fertilise every 4 weeks in spring and summer with a 50 % solution of an indoor plant fertiliser.
Why is Aloe Vera so popular ?
One of the best known of the Aloe genus is Aloe Vera, a plant grown not only as an ornamental plant but also for its commercial properties. Used in skin care products, hair care and also in juices a number the botanical name is Aloe barbadensis. (also known as Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
The confusion between what we commonly call Aloe vera and what is known as A. barbadensis Mill. (Miller) is actually a lot wider, many species are known as Aloe vera. Although differences do occur in appearance we believe that A.vera (syn. A. barbadensis Mill. or Miller) and a number of other species may be almost identical.
Aloe vera is widely used for medicinal purposes for a few reasons, firstly for the supposed medicinal value, and secondly due to the quick growing nature, an the amount of sap it produces.
If we look carefully at the genus, just about any aloe can be used for burns. In northern Africa, different tribes use different species for different purposes, mostly scientifically undocumented.
Further Information.
Native to areas around the Mediterranean including North Africa the main requirements for successfully growing these plants is sunlight and good drainage. Frost and cold temperatures can inhibit growth.
And yes aloe vera plants will flower, a tall flower stem rising nearly 1m above the foliage with masses of yellow flowers.
You can buy Aloe Vera Plants Online from the following participating nurseries.
Indoor Plant specialists for Melbourne. - Ph : 0435 677 428
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www.garnerstore.com.au