Sunday, January 13, 2013

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

My neighbor, Gina just moved away. These were her striking and robust Aloe vera plants.  She had a strong appreciation for all plants and I will remember that about her for a long time. The large skylight and plenty of natural light from her kitchen windows provided more than ample illumination for these light-loving succulents.

Sometimes known as the Medicine Plant, it's juicy pulp has become very well known as an aid to healing burns and wounds and many other uses. It is very easy to grow if it gets strong light. 

The Aloe vera is an island native that naturally lives in Madeira, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde.  

Care Instructions:
  • Direct sun indoors.They will probably do with only an hour or so of direct sun but the more the better.
  • Let them dry out some below the soil line, before watering. If they sit completely dry for too long, they will begin to lose lower leaves.
  • A plant in a 6" diameter pot should dry out about 1/2"'-1" below the soil line before watering with about a pint of water.
  • A plant in an 8" diameter container can dry out 1"-2" below the soil line. Water with up to a quart of water.
  • Soil moisture meters for indoor plants were developed for measuring the moisture content of the soil of a houseplant. There are several models available for sale on the market. For prickly cacti and succulents, that take fill up most of the pot, it can be difficult to test the moisture level by feel and a moisture meter may be just the aid you need..    
  • Fertilize regularly for best growth
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For a variety of informative video clips on houseplant care,  click below:

The Indoor Garden TV show



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