by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: January 16, 2009   Last Updated: August 08, 2010

Every home should have an aloe Vera plant. When people think of aloe Vera, they typically think of the gel that is often used as a remedy for burns or wounds. The gel is contained within the leaves of the plants. Aloe Vera is a succulent. What makes it a succulent is the fact that its leaves hold moisture.Aloe is very easy to grow. As with most succulents, it requires almost no care and will survive long periods of neglect. The best way to grow Aloe Vera is in a pot. Aloe plants don't mind being crowded, and will often grow better when crowded than they do when they have a lot of space.

LIGHT:

Aloe will do best in very warm conditions and bright direct light. If you don't have a bright sunny window (south and/or west exposure is best because that will provide the hottest sun for the longest amount of time,) florescent lights are a good substitute. When growing houseplants with florescent lights, it's best to use a combination of warm and cool bulbs because that will produce full spectrum light. Full spectrum light is said to closely mimic actual daylight.

GROWING MEDIUM:Aloe plants must be planted in good draining soil. If the pot doesn't have adequate drainage, the plant will not survive. Since clay pots (or terra cotta) soak up moisture, using them to grow succulents and cacti is a wise idea. You will be sure that your pot will not hold in excess water. Be sure to use a pot that has a hole in the bottom.

If you use potting soil, it will be necessary to add material to improve drainage. Take potting soil and add equal pots of peat moss and Perlite. It is best to use a potting soil without fertilizer. If you don't want to create your own growing medium, African violet soil mix or Orchid growing mix are good substitutes.

WATER AND FERTILIZER:

When you first pot an aloe plant, water it thoroughly so that the water drains out of the pot. Don't allow the water that drains out to remain in the saucer. After the initial watering, you should not water the plant again until it has dried out completely.

If necessary, stick your finger down into the soil to determine how wet it is. The plant should be able to go without water in normal household conditions for a minimum of two weeks, but most likely for as long as a month.

If you don't water the plant for a while, it won't suffer as long as it's getting adequate light. It's better to under water succulents than it is to over water them. Because their leaves hold moisture, over watering the plant will turn it to mush.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>