ALOE VERA
This easy-to-grow succulent has spiky, freshy leaves. The sap is used to soothe burns skin irritations.
HOW NOT TO KILL
Location – Keep in a room that is 50-75F (10
Wzter-24C). Happy, mature plants will produce yourself flowers.
Light – Place in a bright spot (e.g. a south facing window). It will cope with some direct sun, but acclimate it gradually.
Watering + Feeding – In spring and summer, water when the top 1in (2-3cm) of potting mix has dried out – this may be once a week, depending its position. In winter, water very sparingly. Feed once in spring and once in summer.
Care – Aloes like well-drained potting mix, so add potting sand or perlite when planting, or use cactus mix. A layer of sand on the top will keep the neck dry prevent rot. Only repot if the plant has outgrown its pot. The plant will produce baby “offsets” – these can be left on the plant, or cut off at the base with their roots and planted individually.
SHRUNKEN, WRINKLED LEAVES?
Your plant needs watering.
SAVE IT – Water lightly and mist the leaves. Do the same the following day, and the day after that – the leaves should plump up again. Don’t let your plant sit in very wet potting mix.
LEAVES TURNING BROWN RE, OR REDDISH BROWN?
Your plant could be getting too much sun in the middle of the day during summer, or it may be overwatered. The roots may also be damaged.
SAVE IT – Move your plant to a bright spot with less direct sunlight. Reduce watering. If it doesn’t recover, check the roots.
PALE OR YELLOWING LEAVES?
If your whole plant is pale or yellowing, it has been overwatered, or it isn’t getting enough light.
SAVE IT – Ensure that you are watering the plant correctly (see left). Move it to a brighter spot.
DARK SPOTS? BROWN OR MUSHY LEAVES?
This is most likely due to overwatering.
SAVE IT - Do not water until the potting mix has dried out. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes. Avoid spilling water on the foliage, as it will gather at the base and cause rot.
