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Aloe Vera
Q. I need to know how to take care of
my Aloe Vera plant. It never grows at all.
How often do I water. What kind of soil.
How often do I fertilize and with what kind
of fertilizer? It has been the same size
for 2 years and is very sad looking.
A. You are obviously experiencing problems with this plant but show knowledge of plant care in your questions. I feel all the areas should be dealt with satisfactorily. First
repot the plant. I am sure it is in dire need or new fresh soil mix. Buy a general house plant mix and add perlite to it
maybe 1/3 to 2/3 soil. Keep the plant soil line the same as it was but knock off some of the old soil without injuring the roots. If it needs a larger pot
go up only one inch size. Fertilize with any house plant food according to the directions
once a month. Try Miracle-Gro Hyponex
Optimara or Schultz. Grow the plant in bright sunlight
except in the very hot of summer days in the mid-afternoon. Protect with a shade curtain or blind
but do not try to grow in a shady location. Water only when the top inch of the soil is dry. Stick your finger down and feel for moisture. The aloes are members of the succulents and store water in their fleshy leaves thus are like camels in that they can go a long time without water. Keep them in a warm location
but away from a draft especially a heating vent. You can place outside on a patio or balcony if you have warm summers
but bring back inside for fall.
Q. How do I propagate a new aloe plant?
It is getting large and I would like a few
babies.
A. I do not know how long you have had the plant
but you must wait until the plant sends up side shoots. These are the babies that grow up from the root system and make a plant of themselves. It is beneficial to the mother to have the new ones taken off to lessen the crowding and competition. When you see the new plants let them get about 4-5" tall
with at least three good leaves. Take the entire plant out of the pot lay on newspaper and gently separate the little ones from the mother
getting some roots with each plant more for the original. I find it helpful to separate when the plant is on the dry side
as they break apart so easily and do not tear the roots in the process.
Be patient give it good strong light water
only when dry and feed monthly
with a house plant fertilizer.
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