There is hardly any person in this world who would be unaware of the myriad benefits that aloe vera plant offers, right from helping treat skin problems to boosting the immune system. If you also want to reap these benefits, why not grow the plant inside your home only? An undemanding plant, aloe vera can easily be grown indoors and reach a height of about 90 cm. the plant is highly adaptable in nature and is also resistant to almost all types of pests, except few scale insects and bugs. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and explore tips on how to grow aloe vera plant indoors.
Growing Aloe Vera Plant Indoors
Supplied Needed
- Aloe Vera Plant
- Cactus Potting Mix
- Pot, with drainage hole
- Marbles, pebbles or pot shards
Instructions
- In order to grow aloe vera indoors, you will first have to lay your hands on a plant with firm, upright leaves and smooth skin. Visit your local nursery for the purpose.
- You will have to prepare loose, sandy soil, to ensure proper growth of your aloe vera plant. In this context, cactus potting mix or a mixture of 2 parts sand to 1 part potting soil will make good options.
- Next, you need to select a pot for your aloe vera plant. Make sure that the pot you choose has good drainage. Prepare the pant, by filling it one-third, with marbles, pebbles or potshards.
- Fill the rest of the space in the pot, two-third, with potting mix. Thereafter, introduce the plant into the soil. You will have to cover the plant with soil, up to the crown, and pat it in place.
- Now is the time to water the newly potted aloe vera. Thereafter, pick up the pot and place it in a sunny window. If possible, go for windows with a southern exposure, as they provide the strong light the plant needs.
Watering & Harvesting
- Keep in mind that you need to water aloe vera plant mainly during the summer months, that too when the pot seems to be dry.
- In the winter months, it is enough to provide the plant with a good watering once every two to three weeks.
- Water the plant only when you find the dirt in the pot starting to pull away from the sides.
- In order to harvest aloe vera plant, slice off a small, exterior leaf at the base of the plant, lengthwise.
Some Tips
- You will have to repot an aloe vera plant each spring, since it tends to grow rapidly during warm-weather months.
- If possible, keep your aloe vera plant outdoors for a few weeks, in late spring to late summer, every year. Keep it outdoors, on a mild day, in a protected spot and for a few hours
- In case you keep the aloe vera plant outdoors in late summer, make sure to bring it in well before the first frost.
- You should never ever let your aloe vera plant sit in water, as its roots are very susceptible to rot.