Aloeis a genus of over 500 metal money of succulent plant in the familyAsphodelaceae . They are native to tropical and southernAfrica , Madagascar , Jordan , theArabian Peninsula , and various island in the Indian Ocean .
Most species are acaulescent and have a rose window of large , blockheaded , fleshy leaves . Other specie may have a branched or unbranching stem from which the fleshy farewell rebel . SomeAloes are grandiloquent , single - stemmed or branched Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . The parting variegate in color from grey to brilliant greenish . They are sometimes striped or mottled . Flowers are vasiform , yellow , orangish , pinkish , or red and grouped in wax light - like or cone - shaped florescence , which can be fork or simple .
The generic name " Aloe " derive from the Greek " alsos " or the Arabic " alloeh " or the Hebrew " allal , " all three mean " virulent , " and refers to the acrimonious blackjack of the foliage .
Aloe ferox in Attila Kapitany’s garden, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Photo by Noelene Tomlinson. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Aloeplants are among the longest - recorded herbal medicines in human history . They are also among the most wide used plants for traditional medicinal use worldwide . Aloe vera , Aloe arborescens , andAloe feroxare the best - known and most commonly used for their therapeutic properties .
Growing Conditions for Aloe
aloe are frequently originate as ornamental plant both in pots and in garden .
Light
When growingAloes indoors , place your plants near a windowpane that catch plenty of bright collateral sparkle . To keep yourAloes looking green , annul exposing them to direct sun , which can cause leaves to embrown . Rotate the pots once or twice a week so that all sides of the plants get equal lighting . Rotating yourAloealso aid equilibrise out the flora ’s look , as parting tend to grow toward the sun .
Outdoors put up clean shade , especially during the hottest parts of the day . A cross patio or porch is an excellent spot for growingAloe .
Soil
PlantAloes in a well - drained soil mix specially formulated for succulent , ormake your own . Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can have root rot .
Temperature
aloe grow best at temperature between 50 and 85 ° F ( 10 and 30 ° C ) . When temperatures drop below 50 ° F ( 10 ° vitamin C ) , it is clock time to bring your works back inwardly . Maintain a room temperature above 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) and do not expose the plants to temperatures below freezing . SomeAloes are cold - hardy down toUSDA hardiness zone10a , 30 ° F ( -1.1 ° C ) . Once the threat of Robert Frost has passed , move them back outside in the spring .
Pot Size
Plant yourAloein a pot containing at least one drainage hole , 2 to 3 inches ( 5 to 7.5 cm ) larger in diameter than the plant ’s understructure .
General Care for Aloe
bitter aloes can hold up long and flourish with very small tutelage . These plants are great for beginners .
Watering
These succulents need unconstipated lacrimation but are very tolerant of drought conditions for short full stop . Water deeply , but only when the land is dry . Cut back onwateringduring the winter months . Overwateringis the top reasonAloeplants pop off . Do not allow water stand in the rosettes .
Fertilizing
bitter aloes in the main do not postulate fertilizer but may profit from the extra nutrient . Feedwith a fertilizer for cacti and other succulents in bounce and summer only , following the label directions .
Repotting
These plants are not particularly fast - growing and will only seldom need repotting . Repot them in the spring in a container a few inches larger in diam every few long time to keep them from becoming rootbound . you could verify if yourAloes are outgrowing their pots by carefully picking up the container and looking at the drainage holes . When tooth root are spring up out of the drainage hole , that is a sign that it is time to repot .
Pruning
remove damaged and surplus parts can promote wellness and growth in yourAloe . look until bound arrives to rationalize it . Wear gloves whenever you form withAloes . Some species acquire sap that can irritate the hide .
How to Propagate Aloe
bitter aloes can be circularize by counterbalance , cuttings , or seeds from a ripe plant .
Offsets
The small plants that grow at the plant ’s base are recognise as offset printing , offshoots , plantlets , pups , suckers , or baby . you’re able to get rid of offsets from the mother plant with a sharp tongue in late bounce or former summer . establish them in well - drained grime .
Cuttings
cutting off are a popular way of disperse tree- and shrub - likeAloes . stalk cuttings should be allow to dry in the shade for a few days or a week before placing in potting filth .
Seeds
PropagatingAloefrom seed is relatively easy . For best answer , sow seeds during the warm calendar month . The germination unremarkably starts within one calendar week of sowing . Transplant the seedlings once three true leave-taking have organise , generally after about a year .
Pests and Diseases of Aloe
aloe are susceptible tomealybugs , weighing machine , and various form of bunk , usually stimulate by overwatering and inadequate drainage .
Toxicity of Aloe
Not all aloe have medicinal properties . Some moderate venomous leaf sap , likeAloe ballyi , Aloe elata , andAloe ruspoliana , which are used for arrow poison . homo and animals in general void these species .
Links
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