Watering An Aloe Vera Plant The Right Way
The Aloe vera makes a wonderful houseplant. As a succulent, Aloe vera plants are very easy to grow and maintain. The one main thing to be concerned about is the Aloe water needs. Watering an Aloe vera plant the right way will help it to thrive. Be cautious about watering Aloe vera plants because too much or too little water may result in a limp, pale looking plant or it may even die.
The Aloe vera succulent is definitely a drought tolerant plant. Like all plants they need water but it should be done less frequently and a little differently than most of your other houseplants.
How to Water an Aloe Vera Plant the Right Way
Thoroughly soak the soil and let it drain completely. Then do not water again until the soil is dry. Stick your finger in the soil to make sure it is dry or to be more precise use a soil moisture meter. Deep watering will help leach unwanted salts from the soil. Some succulents may be overly sensitive to the chemicals and minerals in municipal water. If your Aloe vera is not thriving you may consider using filtered or rain water.
When to Water Aloe Vera Plants
Most Aloe plants in homes and offices should be watered no more than once a week or even every few weeks.
Appropriatley timed watering will prevent shriveling and you will see new growth. I the spring and summer some Aloe vera plants benefit from being kept a little moist. In the fall and winter you may only need to water once a month or so.
Young Aloe vera plants that are still establishing their root systems may need to be watered a little more frequently than mature larger plants.
What are the signs that an Aloe is getting too much water?
It will start to wilt and may start to become darkened. The leaves will get edema making them look blistered because of absorbing too much water. Excessive watering will sometimes bring mold which is bad for your plant. The leaves will get abnormally soft with too much moisture.
Even after being careful it is still possible to overwater an Aloe vera plant. You may still be able to help it bounce back. Simply take the Aloe out of the pot and lay it on its side to dry. Check the roots for signs of fungal disease or rot. If possible trim any sections that are not healthy looking. In a few days replant your Aloe vera in fresh dry succulent soil and do not water it for an additional week.
Signs of Too Much or Too Little Aloe Watering
Watering excessively may cause your aloe plant to rot which will eventually kill it if this is not corrected.
It can be tricky to water an Aloe vera because they will look bad or even die with too much watering or they may shrivel up and lose their vibrant green color if they are not watered enough.
It is highly recommended to use a moisture meter to test the soil dampness of Aloe vera plants and all succulents for that matter. It is better to be proactive and water an Aloe the best way than to wait until you see signs of distress.
Be sure to start with the right cactus and succulent soil mix. It does not have to be a perfect blend as long as it drains well which is key to most succulents. Use a pot with drainage holes.
What are the signs of an overly dry Aloe vera plant?
The leaves will begin to pucker and then wither. The leaves will often begin yellowing if they are not getting enough water.
Aloe vera plants are great houseplants and can also decorate an office or other business environment. Numerous studies show that Aloe vera is one of the plants that can clean toxic indoor air. They are so easy to care for and can also be used medicinally both topically and internally.
Should I fertilize my Aloe vera?
You may need to fertilize your Aloe vera once a month or so in the growing season. Dilute any fertilizer by half before the application.
Summary: There is not much to worry about when growing Aloe vera plants except to be careful about watering. If you pay attention to your Aloe vera water schedule you will enjoy a beautiful thriving succulent!
