How to care for your aloe plant

An aloe plant can make a great difference in any room. They are great for homes and offices alike. The best part of all is that they do not require special care or daily attention. These plants have plenty to offer and don’t ask for much in return. Here are some essential aloe care tips.

Sunlight

All plants need sunlight and your aloe plant is no exception. This succulent does particularly well in a bright spot with some direct sunlight in the winter. One interesting fact that many people do not know is that an aloe plant can burn in the sun. So, make sure that you do not expose it to too much direct sun in the summer.

Watering

Like other succulents, your aloe plant is drought resistant which means that it only requires minimal watering. That said, if you deprive it of water too much, it can shorten the life span of the plant. On the other hand, if you water it too much, it can result in root rot which cannot be reversed and the plant will die. Make sure that when you water your aloe, you soak the soil. When you see water draining through into the dish under the pot, stop watering and wait a few minutes. Empty the water out of the tray and place it back under the pot. You do not want to leave water in this tray as it will make the soil soggy and kill the plant.

Temperatures

Your aloe plant will do best in moderate to warm temperatures. Make sure that you do not place the plant near an air conditioner or heat source like a fireplace because this can have a serious effect on its wellbeing.

Possible problems

No plant is completely immune to pests. Your aloe plant can attract aloe mites. These bugs are very small and they are almost worm-like. You may not notice these bugs are present until damage to the leaves and stems are visible. It is nearly impossible to reverse the damage. The best thing to do is remove an infested plant before it can spread to your other aloes.

Repotting

If you take care of your aloe plant, it will thrive and need to be repotted regularly. When repotting, make sure that you choose a larger pot and add the appropriate soil before welcoming your plant to its new home. You can also remove any offsets at this time and plant them in the old pot to propagate new plants!

By following these simple aloe plant care tips, you will enjoy its beauty for many years to come. As your plant grows, you can make use of your aloe in various ways and even as a regular addition to your daily beauty routine.