How to Pot an Aloe Plant
An aloe vera plant can be found in shops, homes and even some doctor's offices. It is kept on hand for its healing properties, most of which lie in the gel contained in the aloe vera leaves. The National Institutes of Health report that some of the healing benefits of aloe vera include soothing wounds, burns and other skin irritations, as well as accelerating wound healing. If you have an aloe vera plant, or you intend to get one, and you want to keep it around for a long time, you need to properly plant it in a pot for it to flourish.
Select a pot that is wide and deep. According to The Garden Helper, aloe vera roots grow out and not simply downward. Buy a pot that is 10 to 12 inches wide and at least 8 inches deep and has drainage holes.
- An aloe vera plant can be found in shops, homes and even some doctor's offices.
- According to The Garden Helper, aloe vera roots grow out and not simply downward.
Fill 1/3 of the pot with pebbles or marbles. Aloe vera plants are succulents and need excellent drainage to thrive.
Add cactus potting soil to the pot, until it is 2/3 full. If you cannot find cactus potting soil in your area, use 1 part potting soil to 2 parts sand, all of which are available in garden centers.
Set your aloe vera plant into the soil and cover the roots with more potting mix. Pack the mix down so the roots are covered securely, and add soil until it is up to the crown of the plant, or the bottom of the leaves.
Water the plant well but do not over-water. The soil should feel wet but not saturated. If some of the potting mix sinks when you water the plant, add more and tap it down firm.
- Fill 1/3 of the pot with pebbles or marbles.
- If some of the potting mix sinks when you water the plant, add more and tap it down firm.
Place the plant in a southern-facing, sunny window.
Tip
When you want to use an aloe vera leaf for medicinal benefits, cut a smaller leaf from the bottom of the plant.
Warning
Do not over-water an aloe vera plant. Water it when the soil is visibly dry or pulling away from the edges of the pot.
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References
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Tips
- When you want to use an aloe vera leaf for medicinal benefits, cut a smaller leaf from the bottom of the plant.
Warnings
- Do not over-water an aloe vera plant. Water it when the soil is visibly dry or pulling away from the edges of the pot.
Writer Bio
A certified nutritionist who majored in health, fitness and nutrition, Traci Vandermark has been writing articles in her specialty fields since 1998. Her articles have appeared both online and in print for publications such as Simple Abundance, "Catskill Country Magazine," "Birds and Blooms," "Cappers" and "Country Discoveries."
