How to Grow Your Own Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe is not only a pretty plant, but a purposeful one as well. Aloe can be easily grown indoors where it not only adds color, but the liquid from inside the plant can be used to treat cuts and burns. If you have wanted to grow your own aloe vera plant but aren’t sure where to begin, take a look below at some helpful tips on how to grow your own aloe. You will find that growing this pretty and purposeful plant can in fact be fun and easy!

How to Grow Your Own Aloe Vera Plant

1. Plant from a starter plant.
You will not want to plant from seed, but plant your aloe plant from a starter plant. This can be a small seedling plug as you don’t need a lot to get started. You will find that aloe is like other succulents in the fact that it grows quickly, so a small fresh start is all you need to get your aloe plant growing.

2. Give your aloe plenty of room to grow.
As mentioned, aloe grows and spreads quickly. Because of this you will want to be sure you use a wide flower pot when planting. Place your aloe starter in the center of the pot and have at least 4 inches all around for the plant to spread.

3. Choose the appropriate soil.
Aloe vera plants don’t like to be muddy and wet. They prefer soil that is rich but drains well. Be sure you choose a well draining, non compact soil so the aloe has plenty of room to stretch out beneath and so muddy soil won’t become a problem. Buying nutrient rich soil at your local gardening center is the best way to get your aloe plant off to a strong start.

4. Water deeply.
When you water your aloe, you want it to water deep and set in about 2 inches. You then want the soil to dry out completely before you water deeply again. This method of deep watering will keep the roots from rotting from too much moisture. The best way to test this method is to stick your finger in the soil. If it is still damp two inches below the soil or less, there is no need to water just yet. You want all two inches of depth to be dry.

5. Don’t overheat the aloe.
You don’t need to place the aloe in direct sunlight. Instead, opt for indirect light. While the plant will want to stay warm, everyday household temperatures should do. There is no need to provide it any extra heat. Aloe will also do well with artificial sun lights and lamps.

6. Remove fresh starts to create new plants.
You will notice new starts that bloom out from the sides of your aloe plant. You can remove them, allow the ends to harden, and then place in a pot for a new plant to grow. Your aloe vera plant will quickly produce these fresh shoots and if you work fast enough, you will have enough aloe vera plants to go around.

7. Watch out for common diseases.
Rot is one of the most common diseases to occur in aloe. You can avoid this by following the watering suggestions above. Quickly remove any portions of the plant that appear to be browning or turn black. This way the plant isn’t wasting energy on trying to heal this area.

Growing your own aloe vera plant indoors is a great way to always have natural cut and burn relief on hand. Give these tips for growing your own aloe a try and see what results you can achieve right under your own roof!