What is aloe, even a child knows, not to mention experienced gardeners. Succulent at home does not look the same as in the wild, but differs in unpretentiousness in leaving.
Aloe vera - what is this flower, why is it called
Aloe present is a succulent herbaceous plant that is widely used in cosmetology and medicine. A flower can exist in conditions where other plants do not grow, because in extreme situations it is able to retain moisture inside the leaf.
Aloe vera in the pot
A short description of what aloe vera looks like
Undeveloped root system with a short stem. A rosette with leaves can reach more than half a meter in diameter. Variegated sheets around the edges have spines. Tubular orange flowers in the wild appear scarlet every 2-3 years. For indoor plants, the term increases to 15 years. Often a flower throughout the entire period of life does not bloom even once. Translated from Latin means "aloe present."
What is different from agave
Many people ask themselves: agave and aloe - what is the difference? At the moment, botanists have identified more than 500 species of aloe, among which the most popular are vera aloe and tree aloe. Their chemical composition is almost identical. Scarlet tree and scarlet faith are not the same plant. It is worth taking them in various cases: the agave is used to heal the skin, and aloe vera is used internally.
It is easy to distinguish agave from aloe by external indicators: the first has a strong trunk, from which leaves grow, and the second has a bushy structure and lush foliage, tending upwards.
Agave in room conditions
Therapeutic and beneficial properties
The flower contains a large number of components that are beneficial to the human body. Scarlet and scarlet faith are one and the same plant. Aloe vera contains B vitamins, ascorbic and folic acid, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, Mg. Among the positive properties that succulent provides:
- accelerated tissue regeneration, preventing scarring;
- removal of irritation;
- disinfecting effect;
- the provision of a tonic effect on the body.
The flower can be harmful if there are diseases of the kidneys, bladder, liver. It can not be used as a medicine during pregnancy, with tuberculosis, allergic reactions to the plant.
Additional Information! To take the material as a medicinal component, it is recommended to choose the lower leaves of succulent, which are at least 15 cm in length. In this case, the sheet is broken off at the very base, using the plant's juice immediately.
Potted plant care at home
Aloe vera is an unpretentious flower, and therefore care for it will not cause much trouble. The plant quickly adapts to the provided growing conditions. In order for him to grow, and not survive, it is recommended to provide him with optimal conditions.
Indoor plant
Illumination and temperature
Illumination plays a major role in growth. Aloe is a photophilous flower. With insufficient light, the plant may begin to stretch, so in the winter it is worth providing it with additional light sources. It is worth choosing the south and southeast sides of the apartment for the location of the flower pot with aloe.
Note! When the spring rays penetrate the apartment, the flower is protected from the sun so that it does not get burns. For these purposes, use tulle, gauze, which filter the bright rays of the sun. Spend these events during the week.
In the summer, it is recommended to take the flower pot with the plant to the veranda or balcony so that the aloe receives the necessary amount of ultraviolet radiation that window glasses do not allow. Due to this, the plant will have thicker leaves and a powerful stem.
The temperature in the summer is not equalized. Room temperature will be sufficient for the flower. It is recommended to take the plant out of the apartment only in places not subject to precipitation and drafts. In winter, the succulent is in a dormant period, and therefore the temperature is reduced. The optimum mode is +15 ℃.
Watering rules and humidity
Moderate watering is the key to good care. Watering the plant is required as necessary, when the top layer of the earth begins to dry out. When the rest period comes, the frequency is reduced by 2 times. In order not to rot the stem, it is not recommended to water the flower in a socket with leaves in order to avoid stagnation of water.
Favorable for growing aloe is dry air. The plant is not sprayed. When dust appears, the leaves are wiped with a damp sponge.
Dust on aloe leaves
Top dressing and soil quality
To grow aloe at home, the substrate is purchased in specialized stores. Or made independently. To do this, use river sand, turf and leafy soil. The ingredients are taken in equal proportions and mixed.
Fertilizers are applied in the spring and forget about them for a year. It is recommended to use as a top dressing organic substances that are designed directly for growing this flower. They are purchased in special shops for flower growers.
Flower Tank Size
Choosing a flower pot for a home plant is not only by external characteristics, but also by the size of the aloe root system. They recommend giving preference to small containers. From the roots to the walls of the container should be 3-4 cm. It is recommended to check the width or depth of the roots. It depends on whether you need to buy a higher or wider capacity.
Pruning and transplanting
Pruning is needed to improve the condition of the plant, its appearance and promote active growth. In this case, the procedure is carried out carefully, because aloe has thick and juicy leaves.
Important! Excess processes and damaged leaves lengthen. For these purposes, use a sharp tool that is pre-disinfected. The cut is processed. Activated or charcoal is used for these purposes.
Aloe pruning is a crucial part of care
A periodic transplant is required for any home flower. Aloe is no exception. Young individuals need to change the soil and pot once a year, and adults - once every 2-3 years. After transplanting, succulents are abundantly watered. Transplantation is carried out in spring or summer, when the growing season begins.
Flowering and resting period of aloe vera
In the natural environment, aloe vera blooms twice a year - in the spring and autumn. Often this period lasts about six months. In a temperate climate, the annual flowering of succulents can be forgotten; at home, it may not bloom at all.
The rest period continues in the cold season. It is recommended to take it to a cooler place so that the succulent can restore strength. If the plant has faded, it is worth removing the peduncle until seeds are formed.
Reproduction of Barbados Aloe
Propagating a plant is as simple as looking after it. Most often, the breeding procedure is performed by cuttings. There are other ways that are characterized by an increased level of complexity.
Cuttings
For planting, this method is most often chosen, since it is easier. The leaf stalk should be separated from the mother plant and kept in a dark room for 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, he will have time to dry out, which will increase the chances of his successful rooting in the future.
Harvesting cuttings
The lower part of the handle is deepened into a prepared substrate by 3-4 cm, the appearance of roots is awaited. Root formation is slow. During this time, the sheet may rot. His condition is constantly monitored.
Seed cultivation
There are other ways to propagate a flower. At the same time, they wait 2 years until the succulent becomes decorative. Not all purchased seeds germinate evenly. The method is relevant when the listed disadvantages do not bother the grower.
For planting, it is recommended to choose a time from the end of January to the beginning of March, since in the same period the plant begins to germinate in the natural environment. Before sowing, the seeds must be scarified: with the help of fine-grained sandpaper they damage their protective shell in order to improve the germination process.
After that, planting material is placed on the fabric and filled with water, seedlings appear in a week. The presence of roots indicates that seeds can be planted. They are sprinkled on top of the soil, and on top they are covered with a small amount of river sand. After this, the soil is sprayed from the spray gun and placed in a greenhouse until the first petals appear.
Growing problems, diseases and pests
The plant is rarely sick, but may be susceptible to attack by scale insects. Pests are collected from the leaves on their own. If irrigated incorrectly, the roots may rot. Prevention of this problem is considered compliance with proper care, which involves moderate watering.
Scalp on aloe leaves
Among other problems during cultivation, the following are distinguished:
- If the tips of the leaves begin to dry out, this means that the root system has grown greatly and there are not enough nutrients in the soil. The solution is to transplant into a freer pot.
- The twisting of aloe leaves suggests that it needs more careful care - it is worth wiping the leaves from dust with a damp cloth.
- If the leaves turn yellow and become watery, then the problem is watering. It is recommended to temporarily stop it.
- Fallen leaves also indicate improper watering. Succulent should be moistened with water at room temperature.
Aloe vera is often used as a houseplant. This is due to unpretentiousness in the care and the presence of beneficial properties of the plant. The decorative qualities of succulents are high, which is why even non-blooming aloe pleases the eye of the household.
