Care of Aloe Vera

Planting

• Aloe vera can only be grown outdoors in the southeastern United States. It is very susceptible to cold weather and can sustain serious damage if left outside for a winter. Aloe vera should be grown in a container in all other parts of the country and should never be exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees F. Plant in a container with a diameter of at least half of its leaf span to prevent crowding. An aloe vera with 12-inch leaves will require a container with a diameter of at least 6 inches.

  Ensure the aloe vera gets plenty of bright sunlight and fresh air. Keep container plants on a windowsill if kept indoors. Outdoor plants should receive full sunlight during the daytime hours. Use a potting soil with good drainage to prevent root rot. Test your soil by putting some in a pot and pouring water over it. If the water is slow to drain or stands, add crushed pumice to the soil. A good ratio is one part crushed pumice to one part potting soil.

Watering and Fertilizing

• Aloe vera requires watering about once every other week, as it stores extra moisture in its leaves. The soil should be completely dry before watering. Test the soil by inserting your finger to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry to that point, apply a moderate amount of water to the soil. The knuckle test can be used again after watering to ensure it has received enough.

  Feed the aloe vera once monthly with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the package to ensure you apply the proper amount. Do not fertilize aloe vera during winter months when the plant is resting.

Transplanting

• Aloe vera plants grow very quickly and will need to be moved to a larger container every other year. New growths called "pups" will begin to form around the original aloe vera plant and will crowd the container. Transfer the pups to separate, smaller containers or move the entire plant, including the pups, to a much larger container.

  The aloe vera can be simply lifted from the soil and planted in a new container. Be careful not to tear the roots when removing pups from the soil. Allow the roots to dry for three to four days before planting if damage occurs. Wait one week after transplanting the aloe vera before watering to give the roots a chance to settle in.