Aloe: care, types, properties, reproduction

Aloe(Aloe) is a perennial deciduous herbaceous, bushy or tree-like plant with thick, fleshy, elongated leaves at the edges, smooth or serrated, or with thorns gathered in a dense rosette.

In the wild, aloe grows in Africa, South America, the Arabian Peninsula, and is also found in the Mediterranean and in India. There are more than 300 species of aloe, most of them grow in the wild. The height of some species reaches up to 15 meters. In nature, conditions are so favorable that aloe blooms. Aloe emits a long arrow from the rosette of its fleshy leaves, at the end of which a flower blooms with tubular petals very similar to those of kniphofia. The color of the flower can be different – orange, purple, red, yellow. Unfortunately, I have not yet met aloe that grows in a pot and blooms.

Types of aloe

The most popular aloe species in Ukraine are: Aloe arborescens, Aloe aristata, Aloe dichotoma, (the tree-like species of aloe reaches a height of up to 3 meters), Aloe ngobitensis, Aloe plicatilis, Aloe variegata, Aloe vera.

Aloe is not only a houseplant, but also a medicinal one Since ancient times, aloe juice has been valued by doctors for its healing properties that promote rapid wound healing. And women loved this plant for its ability to keep facial skin healthy and rejuvenate it.

Medicinal properties of aloe

In folk medicine, aloe juice is found in many recipes. On the basis of aloe juice (Aloe vera), pharmacists make tablets, drops, ointments and creams. Aloe is used internally: as a laxative, in the treatment of gastric diseases, eye diseases, digestive organs. Externally used in the form of ointment and juice, in its pure form for the treatment of burns of various degrees, wounds on the skin that do not heal well are treated. Aloe is also used as an antiseptic and as an antibacterial agent. Aloe juice is prepared independently, you need to use it immediately so that it does not lose its medicinal properties. But even such a useful product as aloe juice must be consumed carefully. Before use, you need to consult a doctor.

The medicinal properties of aloe are widely used in cosmetology, in particular in creams to which concentrated aloe juice is added. This cream is used to care for the skin of the face and body.

Aloe care

Caring for aloe is not difficult. It is enough to choose the right place, water, feed and this medicinal plant will grow beautifully and, who knows, maybe it will bloom.

Air temperature

In winter, when the plant is at rest, the air temperature should be up to 14 degrees. In summer – moderate. It can be taken out into the fresh air, but be sure to shade. A sharp change in temperature day and night will not hurt, but, on the contrary, I really like it.

Light brightness

Prefers diffused light, grows best in the South. Eastern and Western window sills. It can also grow in direct sun, on the south side of the house, in the spring it is gradually necessary to accustom the plant to direct sunlight to prevent sunburn. In winter, aloe is dormant, but physiological processes continue to occur in the leaves, so it is best to choose the brightest place.

Watering and humidity

It is best to use soft water. In winter, you rarely need to water. Starting in spring, watering is increased as the top layer of the earth dries. If water leaks out of the drainage hole very quickly during watering, leave it on for half an hour and pour out the excess water. No spraying is required.

Soil and transplantation

Land can be bought at garden centers or flower shops, it is better to choose soil for succulents and cacti. Or you can prepare the soil mixture yourself. In proportions: 2 parts of land: 1 part of deciduous soil ,1 part of humus, 1 part of coarse sand, we also add charcoal, sphagnum, perlite and vermiculite. Young aloes are transplanted every year in spring, adults every 2-3 years. After transplanting, add and put in a shaded place for adaptation for 4 days.

Aloe propagation

Aloe propagates by seeds, cuttings, basal processes.

Seeds are sown in spring in wide containers, pouring onto the soil. We water with a sprayer as the earth dries. After germination and in the phase of 3-4 leaves, we dive into small single pots.

Cuttings can be propagated all year round, but preferably in spring, because cuttings do not like sun and heat. Cuttings and upper shoots are cut off with a sterile tool and dried – 2-3 days. We plant in wet sand to a depth of 1 cm, after 1-2 weeks we transplant them into pots with soil.