Is it possible to grow aloe at home. Aloe agave - growing, home care, photo. Aloe spinous - Aloe Aristata

Botanical name: Aloe.

Aloe home - family. Lily.

plant homeland. North Africa.

Description of aloe. The genus contains over 300 species of succulents, as well as hybrids, small and large rosette plants. These are evergreen perennials, shrubs or small trees with a very modest root system.

Or agave - these are slow-growing succulents found mainly in the African bush (thickets of bushes) and differ in size and shape.Many of them have fleshy thick leaves have hooked teeth or spines, even in the middle of the leaf.

The color of the leaves varies from green to blue-green, some aloes even have a reddish color. On variegated forms, there are inclusions, spots or stripes on the leaves. Leaves reach 30 - 60 cm long and 5 - 8 cm wide.

spikes vary in size and shape depending on the variety of aloe.

Throw out tall slender peduncle up to 90 cm high from the center of the outlet, it can be branched.

Flowers vary in size but tend to be tubular, ranging from white to bright red, yellow and orange. Seeds form in dry capsules as soon as the flowers fade. home blooms only 3-4 years after planting, but its flowers have a pleasant sweetish aroma.

To bloom, you need to keep aloe in a warm period of time outdoors and provide the plant with sufficient sunlight indoors.

Indoor aloe is a long-lived houseplant that lives up to its popular name - agave, and its juice has an amazing healing effect when rubbed into wounds, bruises and even hair. It can also be used to relieve pain from burns.

Aloe has been cultivated for a long time and acclimatized in many countries of the world, where it is used both in medicine and in cosmetics.

Height. Up to 1 m.

2. Aloe at home

2.1 Air humidity

A very undemanding plant that easily tolerates a fairly dry atmosphere in living quarters - suitable for growing it fairly dry air.

Aloe does not need spraying, and the ingress of water droplets into the leaf outlet can provoke the appearance of rot.

2.2. Watering aloe

The plant is a succulent, its leaves contain up to 96 percent water, it drought tolerant.

Between waterings, even in the warm months, be sure to dry the substrate. In spring and summer, when the plant is actively developing, it is worth watering so that between waterings the soil dries to a depth of about 2 - 3 cm.

In winter, water very rarely and each time make sure that no moisture droplets fall into the rosette of leaves - the plant will rot. In some species, with prolonged drought, the edges of the leaves begin to curl up - this sign will be a signal for the need for another watering in the winter months.

Low grades can be watered by immersing the pot completely in a large container of water at room temperature. Of course, excess moisture from the pan should be drained immediately after watering.

For irrigation, it is necessary to use only well-settled water at room temperature.

2.3. Reproduction of aloe

leaf cuttings with a petiole, it is quite easy to root in spring or summer at a temperature of about 20 ° C, but be sure to dry them for a few days before planting. Place the cut before drying, sprinkle with crushed charcoal. Leaf cuttings are placed in the substrate to a depth of no more than 2 cm.

stem and apical cuttings separated from the mother plant so that each cutting has 4-5 leaves.

The lower leaves from rooted stem or apical cuttings should be removed - so they can be planted in wet sand to a greater depth, which, in turn, will allow you to get a stronger root system and reduce the area for moisture evaporation.The leaves are removed by tearing them off with their hands - in this case, the plant does not have any remnants of leaf plates that can rot. Wound surfaces are treated with crushed charcoal and dried in a dark place.

Watering the cuttings is very economical, but without overdrying the substrate, rooting takes a long time - about a month.

The successful completion of rooting will be indicated by small young leaves that appear on the cuttings.

For young plants, the air temperature should be above 20 °C - Plants die quickly when placed cool.

Also used for reproduction are small daughter plants - children, which sometimes appear near the mother plant.

Such basal processes are separated with a sharp sterile instrument when they have their own root system. Rooting can be carried out in an ordinary glass of boiled water.

Remember that young plants should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

For patient growers who need to observe the entire process of plant development from the very beginning, reproduction via seeds.

Sowing seeds in the ground is carried out in the spring - when the plant is ready to develop - they are planted in a loose, moistened substrate and covered with a layer of earth about 2 cm thick.

To maintain uniform humidity, the container with seedlings is covered with a transparent film or glass. With the advent of the first sprouts, the shelter can be removed.

Young plants are kept in a warm place at a temperature not lower than 21 ° C, in shading from direct sunlight.

2.4 Aloe transplant

As the pot fills, indoor aloe plants are planted in a container of a slightly larger diameter in spring or early summer. The need for a transplant can be indicated by the roots that have appeared in the drainage holes of the pot. Young plants are transplanted annually, adult specimens - every 2 - 3 years.

1. Pick up for drop off a little cramped pot with large drainage holes, the diameter of which should be half the length of the leaves.
2. Heavily overgrown specimens are difficult to remove from the pot - such plants can be soak in warm water for 1-2 hours, and before planting in a new pot, slightly dry the root system in the air.
3. The walls of plastic pots with tightly braided roots are lightly pressed with hands and, if necessary, cut.
4. When planting a plant on the bottom of the pot, it is worth placing a thick enough drainage layer from brick chips, polystyrene foam or expanded clay.
5. The root system is carefully cleaned of the old soil and the plant is placed in a new container at the same depth at which it was previously.
6. Old and rotten roots are cut off during transplantation sharp sterile instrument.
7. After transplanting, the soil around the stem should be lightly tamped down with your fingertips to remove air pockets.

Instead of a transplant, you can use a gentle transshipment- keeping a clod of earth and the root system - simply sprinkling the plant with fresh soil around the edges.

After transplanting into fresh soil, stop watering for 7-10 days and place the plants in shade from direct sunlight.

2.5. Soil

Any suitable soil for cacti and succulents with a little sour or neutral pH in the range of 5.0 to 7.0 and the addition of a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage.

The composition of the soil may include turf and light leaf soil, peat. A small amount of charcoal can be added to the growing soil - this will disinfect the substrate and make it looser.

2.6.Growing temperature

Aloe houseplants - plants hardy to any temperature residential premises. The optimum temperature is 21 - 26 ° C, the flower tolerates temperatures as low as 10 ° C.

Aloe does not like extreme heat at home, wintering should take place in a cool visit with a temperature of about 12 ° C.

A cool winter is very important for the onset of flowering.

2.7 Lighting

Prefers very bright light but not direct sunlight.

In autumn and winter, in the absence of a dormant period, the plant may need additional lighting with fluorescent lamps.

Do not move the plants from the room to the open sun immediately - let the leaves gradually adapt to the change in lighting.

2.8. Pests and diseases

Most often, the maintenance of aloe in room conditions does not cause any particular difficulties - most of the diseases of this plant will be caused by improper care.

Plants can be affected mealybugs. Check the leaves regularly for these pests, and if the plant looks weak, remove the top 1-3 cm of substrate and check that the roots are not affected.

2.9. Top dressing

In spring and summer, during the growth period once every two weeks fertilizer for succulents and cacti at half concentration.

In autumn and winter, when the plant is resting, no fertilizing is carried out.

Remember that aloe belongs to succulents and stores a lot of moisture and nutrients in thick leaves.

If aloe juice is planned to be used for medicinal purposes, then of course it is worth using only organic food.

Fertilizer is carried out only on wet soil - after watering. Contact with a nutrient solution on the roots in a dry substrate can cause a burn.

2.10. Flowering

Blooming aloe in culture is a rather rare phenomenon, flowering occurs only if there is a good light source.

It is very important for the formation of buds to observe a cool dormant period.

2.11 Care, pinching

Aloe are undemanding in care, suitable for beginner gardeners. It is important to provide them good drainage and enough sun.

Timely remove flower stalks and old leaves after flowering.

High grades are often require support for good growth.

Take out the plants to fresh air in the warm season, using shelter from the rain.

Some tall species need pinching to form a compact beautiful plant or in a support for vertical development.

pruning long stems are carried out in the spring, with the beginning of new growth, and old, drying leaves are also removed in a timely manner.

Wipe the leaves from time to time with a slightly damp sponge to remove dust.

2.12. Purpose

An aloe flower in a pot is a decorative leafy showy plant, and aloe juice has many useful properties and is widely used in cosmetology and folk medicine. Aloe with honey and lemon strengthens the immune system and is used as an expectorant.

2.13 Note

Aloe juice and especially aloe vera is used in cosmetic lotions, creams, ointments, and shampoos. It is believed that Cleopatra used it. Agave juice has tonic, bactericidal, wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties- There are many recipes for its use, but there are contraindications. In diseases of the respiratory system, aloe juice is taken orally mixed with honey, in addition, the juice of the plant is able to strengthen the immune system and increase the number of red blood cells in the blood - it is used for anemia.

Plant poisonously for cats and dogs. An amazing feature of this plant is that its juice is used for rooting cuttings and for soaking the seeds of other plants - this is the percentage of rooting and seed germination. The plant has volatile properties and is able to kill airborne pathogens, and is also very effective in purifying the atmosphere of harmful gases such as formaldehyde.

3. Types of aloe with a photo

3.1. Aloe tree - Aloe arborescens

The most common species in indoor culture, with long, very juicy, green or bluish-covered leaves. Aloe leaves are almost 99% water. On the edge of the leaves are short but strong spikes. In the natural environment, this species blooms with large pink or red flowers located on the tops of peduncles, but flowering rarely occurs at home.

3.2 Aloe white

Pure white varieties of aloe do not yet exist, but there are several subspecies whose leaves have light shades as close as possible to white, for example, Somali aloe - Aloe somaliensis, short-leaved aloe - Aloe brevifolia, Descoing's aloe - Aloe descoingsii and Aloe dhufarensis.

3.3 Aloe variegated, striped or tiger - Aloe variegata (Tiger Aloe)

A small succulent evergreen that forms a rosette or large, succulent, triangular, sessile leaves. The leaves are painted in a dark green shade with transverse light stripes and a light border along the edge of the leaf plates. During the flowering period, it throws out tall erect flower stalks, on top of which there are many pinkish-red tubular flowers with small petals.

3.4. Aloe awesome - Aloe ferox

In its natural environment it reaches 2 - 3 m in height. Based on the name, it becomes clear that this subspecies is equipped with strong spines, and they grow not only on the ribs, but also in the center of the leaves. The leaves are oblong - triangular, green, with a bluish wax coating, in bright light they acquire a pinkish - purple hue. Peduncles are carried at the tops of inflorescences - candles, which contain a very large number of orange flowers with a long flower tube.

3.5. Aloe Barbados or Aloe Vera - Aloe vera

familiar to all of us agave. It is a succulent evergreen shrub up to 1 m high. The stem bears long, succulent, light green leaves with thorns on the ribs, spirally arranged. Young leaves sometimes have lighter or darker spots on their surface, but these disappear with age. When kept in direct sunlight, the edges of the leaves acquire a pinkish tint. It is widely used in medicine and cosmetology.

Aloe multifolia, living in the mountains of Lesotho at an altitude of about 2500 m above sea level, tolerates frost and snow cover for quite a long time. At aloe bulbous in the lower part of the inflorescence, instead of flowers, "bulbs" develop, which also serve for vegetative propagation.

3.6. Aloe white-flowered - Aloe albiflora

Compact succulent with thick, juicy, long leaves, collected in a rosette. The leaves are almost rolled into a tube, painted dark green with light green or yellowish speckles. When grown in a well-lit area, a burgundy tint appears on the leaves. The edges of the leaves are equipped with small sharp, light teeth. Peduncles are thin, erect, often branched to the top, 30 - 35 cm high. The flowers are white, bell-shaped, drooping, with a thin greenish stripe in the center of the petals, reaching 1 cm in diameter.

3.7. protruding - Aloe squarrosa

Attractive ornamental succulent with age forms a thick, often drooping stem. The leaves are broadly triangular, thick, juicy, green or dark green with small light speckles, reach a length of 8 cm. Small light spikes form along the edges of the leaves, and sometimes right in the center. Peduncles are leafless, thin, 10 -20 cm high. Flowers are small, tubular, orange with greenish tips.

3.8. Aloe cap-shaped - Aloe mitriformis

An amazing plant that with age forms long lodging, branched stems up to 2 m long, and the plants develop quite quickly. The leaves are thick, juicy, triangular, green or pinkish, sessile. On the edges of the leaves, short thick spikes of white or yellowish color are arranged in rows. Peduncles thin, leafless, branched towards the top. The flowers are tubular, salmon-like with brown or gray tips. Flowering is very abundant.

The smallest stemless type of aloe with wide - triangular, thick, fleshy leaves, collected in basal rosettes. The leaves are dark green, often with small light speckles, reaching a length of 4 cm. Peduncles are leafless, erect, 12 - 18 cm high, each capable of bearing up to 15 bright, orange, tubular flowers.

3.11. Aloe folded - Aloe plicatilis

Very showy succulents that mature into thick, powerful, branched trunks covered with brownish-gray bark. In its natural habitat, this species reaches a height of 3 - 5 m. The leaves are belt-like, juicy, flat, green, often covered with a bluish wax coating. Leaves are located in opposite pairs and reach a length of 30 cm. Peduncles, thick, short, powerful, bear tubular orange flowers on top.

3.12. Aloe haworthioides - Aloe haworthioides

Low-growing attractive succulent plants that form rosettes of thick, succulent, triangular leaves, colored in dark green or brownish hues. Plants do not exceed 10 cm in height. The leaves are abundantly covered with long, thin, often curved, light cilia. Each rosette is capable of producing several erect peduncles with bright, orange flowers.

3.13. Aloe short-leaved - Aloe Brevifolia

Miniature succulents with thick, triangular leaves arranged in rosettes. With age, this species forms low thick stems. The leaves are triangular, green, often covered with a bluish wax coating. On the edges of the leaves are short, thick, teeth. The leaves of some specimens are able to acquire a pinkish tint. Peduncles are tall, erect, forming long, tubular, orange flowers at the top.

3.14. Aloe juvenile - Aloe juvenna

Succulent plants with long, decumbent stems branched at the base, up to 30 cm high. Thick, succulent leaves are triangular in shape and cover the stems abundantly. In appearance, the leaves of this plant resemble faucaria. The shade of the leaves will depend on the degree of illumination - when grown in partial shade, the leaves will remain green with small white specks, in direct sunlight the plant acquires a delicate pinkish tint. The small, light-colored serrations on the edges of the leaves appear sharp, but are actually soft. During the flowering period, tall peduncles appear on the tops of the shoots with many tubular, greenish salmon flowers.

3.15. Aloe spiral - Aloe polyphylla

Stemless plants that form a very showy, symmetrical, basal leaf rosette. The leaves are juicy, green, triangular, spirally arranged. Often the surface of the leaves is covered with a bluish wax coating. An interesting feature of the plant is that the leaves can be located both clockwise and against it. The edges of the leaf plates are equipped with small greenish teeth, and on the tops of the leaves there are already sharp brownish teeth. In spring or early summer, the plants produce flower stalks with tubular red or salmon flowers.

3.16. Aloe Rauhii - Aloe rauhii

A beautiful ornamental leafy plant that forms a leaf rosette with a diameter of 10 to 20 cm. With age, some plants can form low stems. The leaves are thick, juicy, sessile. Young leaves are painted in a dark green hue with small silvery specks on the surface. With age, when grown in direct sunlight, the leaves may take on a pinkish or purple hue. In the summer months, the plant can decorate itself with an upright, tall peduncle with tubular salmon flowers.

3.17. Aloe Marlot - Aloe marlothii

In their natural habitat, these plants can form tall stems bearing the remains of old leaves, and in this case, their appearance will resemble a yucca. Very large succulents with thick, fleshy leaves that can reach a length of 1.5 m. The leaves are narrowly triangular, green, often covered with a blue waxy coating. When grown in good light, some plants may take on a bright orange or pink hue. In the warm season, the most elegant branched inflorescences appear with many orange or yellow flowers.

3.18. Aloe spinous - Aloe Aristata

An evergreen dwarf species that is a stemless leafy rosette resembling haworthia. The leaves are dark green, triangular, up to 15 cm long, covered with small light tubercles. Old leaves at the base of the plant may acquire a pinkish-bronze hue. The entire surface of the leaves is covered with small light spines. Vertical peduncles bear many bright orange flowers at the tops.

3.19. Aloe soap - Aloe saponaria

An evergreen perennial plant that forms rosettes of thick, broadly triangular dark green leaves. Light green or bluish specks go across the leaf plates. When grown in full sun, the leaves may turn pinkish-red. Vertical peduncles reach a height of 90 cm and bear tubular coral flowers at the top.

Aloe can be found on the windows of many Russians. Its value is not only in its decorative form, but also in the healing properties of the juice. But it can be taken from healthy plants. You can grow aloe at home if you know the features of care. They will vary slightly depending on the type of this houseplant. Plants should be grown in comfortable conditions.

The aloe home plant differs in appearance, depending on the species. In nature, this succulent plant is tall, forms thickets. Aloe domestic compared with wild relatives - a dwarf, a hybrid.

Most often grown (description and photo):

Aloe present

Aloe vera has a short stem, fleshy smoky green leaves that gather in a rosette. The leaf blade is covered with white spots. Spikes along the edges. It blooms, but rarely, but if aloe is cared for at home according to all the rules, then it will throw out an inflorescence that looks like a brush. Flowers inconspicuous, yellowish.

Aloe tree

Aloe tree also has another name -. Grows fast. Grey-green leaves resembling swords are located on the stems, forming a rosette. Flowers are a rare occurrence, but if they appear, they delight the eye with red, yellow or pink inflorescences. On some plants, the flower is scarlet.

scarlet brindle

Aloe variegated, with a tiger color of a green leaf, grows up to 30 cm. Rosettes are located in a spiral. It is valued by flower growers because of its decorative effect. When asked how often aloe blooms, there is only one answer: pink or yellow inflorescences resembling brushes are not often seen.

Any of these varieties can be used as a medicinal and cosmetic product. Cosmetologists around the world prepare anti-aging, medicinal preparations with leaf juice.

In order for the plant to please, you need to know how to care for aloe at home.

Features of care

Landing

The question of how to plant aloe from a shoot is of interest to beginner flower growers. For aloe, pots are purchased before planting. They should be spacious and large in volume, preferably ceramic, so that the root system can "breathe". The root grows well, in a small bowl it will be uncomfortable for him, since an improperly planted aloe sprout begins to signal an error with emerging roots and drying leaves.

Transplantation should be carried out when the plant becomes crowded. An aloe flower is placed each time in a new, larger (in accordance with the dimensions of the flower), bowl, in a certain composition of the soil. Although an unpretentious plant is undemanding to the soil, for a young sprout, you need to buy soil in a flower shop. By the way, agaves prefer to grow in soil for cacti.

Drainage is poured first, then the earth. Lightly shed and you can plant aloe. After planting, the indoor flower is placed in a cool place where direct sunlight does not fall. Then they transfer it to a sunny windowsill: after all, the agave (the second name of aloe) is a heat-loving plant.

Experienced flower growers advise keeping the soil in a hot oven to protect the future plant from diseases and harmful insects.

Watering rules

Aloe, with proper care, grows quickly at home. When watering aloe, you must follow this rule:

1. In summer, once every 7 days is enough, but plentifully. If the agave begins to bloom, watering increases.
2. In winter, when the plant is resting, it grows very slowly, moisture consumption is minimal, it is enough to water once every 15 days.

And how to properly water aloe, so as not to harm:

• Do not allow stagnant moisture. Roots rot in water. The lack of moisture in the soil is easily determined: usually the fleshy leaves become flat, and the tops curl.
• A drainage cushion made of expanded clay, brick chips, and small gravel helps prevent stagnation.
• Before planting aloe, the bottom of the pot is drilled in several places so that excess water drains into the pan, otherwise the earth is covered with a green coating.
• Watering from above is prohibited. It is better to pour water into the pan and put a flower in it.
• Use water at room temperature. If water is taken from the system, then it is pre-defended.
• In summer, high humidity is created around the plant by spraying
• Once every two months, special fertilizers are added to the water for irrigation and the home healer is fed.

Lighting features

We talked about how to water aloe, it's time to talk about lighting. Any home flower is demanding on a certain light regime. Place the agave on a sunny windowsill. As for the winter period, it withstands darkening well, avoiding artificial lighting.

In order to form a uniform arrangement of leaves, indoor flowers, including the agave, are moved to the balcony for the summer. You need to put it so that direct sunlight does not fall on it and does not burn.

To properly care for the agave means to create temperature conditions: in summer from +22 to 26 degrees, in winter within +10 and a little higher.

Transplant rules

Indoor flower needs to be transplanted. This procedure is usually carried out with the onset of spring days. If the agave is transplanted correctly, then it quickly takes root and begins to form new leaves.

Before transplanting aloe at home, divide the plants by age. If the plant is young, it needs to change the pot and soil annually. Old after 2 or 3 years. It is also necessary to plant heavily overgrown agaves, regardless of age.

After preparing the container and the soil, separate the plant with a knife from the pot. From the roots you need to shake off the old earth, cut off the darkened roots. The same operation is carried out with damaged roots. Having placed the flower in the center, you need to add soil and compact it.

When aloe is transplanted, a lot of diverse planting material remains:

• root shoots;
• accidentally broken leaves;
• cut stalk from the top. By the way, the top is specially cut off to get a new plant.

Which method of breeding aloe to choose

There are several ways, each requires a different approach. Therefore, you will have to decide if there is no experience, and choose one thing:

1. Seeds. Not all flower growers decide on this method, because it takes a whole year to get a flower. It looks like this: sowing seeds, getting seedlings, caring for them, creating certain conditions. You have to deal with it like you would with a small child.
2. Growing aloe from a leaf is a practical method. Pinch off the planting material, sprinkle the cut with activated charcoal. Let it sit for 5 days to dry. Then immerse in the ground by 5 cm, cover with a jar. Since the leaf is without a root, planting is carried out in moist soil, covered with a jar on top. The created greenhouse effect accelerates the development of the root system (10-15 days).
3. Now let's figure out how to grow aloe from a shoot. Take the desired part from a healthy plant. The shoot should have up to 8 leaves. Trim the aloe in the right place and remove the planting material to dry for five days. Before planting an aloe shoot, you need to make sure that the lower leaves reach the moist soil. The shoot is well rooted on a lighted windowsill. The first signs that the plant has given roots will appear in about a month.
4. Centennials are propagated by children. This is the name of the shoots coming from the root. If aloe babies are without roots, they can also be used as planting material. The root system will then develop.

Plant diseases and pests, how to deal

The agave is an unpretentious plant, but affected or pests, it looks depressing.

Let's look at the most common problems.

There are insects that can cause irreparable harm. You need to beware of scale insects, spider mites, mealybugs, thrips. The measures to combat them are the same as with other indoor plants.

Conclusion

pictured aloe marlota / A.marlothii

An agave is a must-have in every family. It is advisable to put a flower pot in the bedroom in order to get enough oxygen at night.

There are many signs associated with aloe growing in the house:

• protects the house and residents from the evil eye, damage, brings good luck;
• people live happily ever after;
• the flowering of the agave is associated with the angel who settled in the house.

If the plant is used for medicinal purposes, then you need to take the leaves from the oldest. How to determine the age of aloe? This can be done using the height of the plant: if above 20 cm, then about 3 years.

Aloe (Aloe) - perennial evergreen shrub plant family Asphodelaceae. Aloe is native to the tropical regions of South and East Africa. Under natural conditions, it also grows in Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Canary Islands. The genus of aloe has more than 300 varieties: from dwarf ones, no more than 10 cm high, to giants 5 meters high. In room conditions, large species of aloe can grow up to 1.5-2 m.

The plant belongs to succulents, that is, it is able to store fluid in its own tissues. The leaves of aloe, agaves for this reason are very juicy and fleshy. Aloe blooms in nature every year, throwing out tall peduncles from deciduous rosettes with many tubular flowers of different shades. At home, flowering from the agave is extremely difficult to achieve.

	Tree-like forms grow rapidly, up to 15 cm per year.
	At home, flowering from the agave is extremely difficult to achieve.
	The plant is easy to grow.
	Perennial.

Medicinal properties of aloe agave

Aloe is a real home “healer”: it has so many useful properties and is so widely used in medicine and cosmetology that it is simply impossible to talk about it in one article.

The plant has an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory effect on the human body, helps with wounds and burns, lowers cholesterol, cleanses the blood, and removes toxins. Based on the agave, they prepare remedies for colds, digestive disorders, anemia, liver diseases, etc.

The main benefit of aloe is concentrated in its juice, which is used both externally - for the manufacture of ointments, drops, compresses, and internally - fresh or as part of infusions and rinses.

Care for aloe agave at home. Briefly

Care for aloe agave at home. in detail

Aloe bloom

The appearance of flowers on a home agave is an extremely rare phenomenon, even in greenhouses, the flowering of this plant is observed only once every 10-20 years.

In order for aloe agave to bloom during indoor cultivation, caring for it at home will require special patience and attention: the plant needs to create the most comfortable environment for growth and development for several years.

Temperature regime

Aloe agave at home feels equally good in both cool and warm, but the most comfortable temperature for him is from +20 to +24 ° C during the period of active growth, and about + 12 ° C during rest. The agave is useful for fresh air, so in warm weather it can be put on an open terrace or balcony, shading the plant in especially hot midday hours.

spraying

Additionally, it is advisable to humidify the air around the agave aloe only in very hot weather. The rest of the time, spraying the plant can provoke decay of the shoots and the development of fungal diseases on them.

To increase the humidity of the air, if necessary, the pot with the plant can be placed in a wide tray with wet expanded clay.

Lighting

A guest from hot Africa likes bright sunlight, so it is better for him to take a place on the southern windowsill. Plants that are during the period of active vegetation in well-lit places look the most attractive: they have strong powerful stems and rich green fleshy leaves framed by large spines. Flowering from aloe agave can only be achieved if it receives enough light during its life.

Watering

With special attention, you need to approach the watering of aloe agave. The plant does not cope well with excess moisture in the soil, therefore, it should be watered moderately in summer, before each next watering, waiting for the top layer of soil to dry, in winter - very rarely, just to maintain leaf turgor.

When watering, it is necessary to ensure that moisture does not accumulate in leaf rosettes, otherwise rotting of the stems may begin, which in advanced cases even leads to the death of the plant.

Aloe pot

The containers in which aloe agave is grown can have any shape, only their size is fundamentally important for plants. The root system of the flower is quite powerful, and if it does not have enough space in the pot, it immediately adversely affects the appearance of the plant: its leaves become smaller, begin to dry out, the stems are bent, the bush as a whole looks unhealthy. The problem is easily solved by transplanting the agave into a pot of a suitable size.

Another requirement for a growing container is the presence of large holes in the bottom for draining excess water. Good aeration of the roots is a necessary condition for the normal growth and development of aloe.

Soil for aloe agave

Agave does not impose special requirements on the composition of the soil. A purchased soil mixture for succulents is perfect for him, but you can also prepare a nutrient substrate yourself.

To do this, mix turf, leafy soil and coarse sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 1, add a handful of charcoal there, and when planting, provide the plant with good drainage of expanded clay or broken brick roots.

Top dressing and fertilizer

Homemade aloe agave is fed only in the active growth phase (from mid-spring to mid-autumn). To enrich the plant's diet, you can use complex fertilizers and top dressings designed specifically for succulents. Feeding frequency - 1-2 times a month. When fertilizing, it is important to ensure that they do not fall on the aloe leaves, this can cause chemical burns.

Organics are contraindicated for the agave, the plant “gets fat” from it, its leaves become unnaturally “swollen”, which spoils the appearance and health of the flower.

Aloe transplant

Young plants actively build up the root system, so they need to be transplanted annually, older specimens that have reached the age of 4-5 years can be transplanted less often - once every 3-4 years. It is not recommended to disturb “aging” bushes; it is enough for them to periodically replace the top layer of soil in a pot. The optimal time for transplantation is early to mid-spring.

A new pot for the agave is selected a quarter larger than the previous one. A layer of drainage and some fresh soil are poured at the bottom of the container, a plant is placed in the center of the pot, the space around its roots is filled with the remaining soil mixture. Within a few days after transplanting, the soil in the pot is only slightly moistened, then the aloe is looked after as usual.

How to prune aloe agave

With the right organization of growing conditions, an aloe flower at home can turn from a cutting into a powerful sprawling bush up to 1.5 m tall in just a few years. In order for the plant to look neat, it is recommended to regularly form pruning of its lateral and apical shoots. This procedure also helps to rejuvenate the bush.

The cut parts can be used for cuttings or for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. In the event of a complete loss of decorativeness, it is extremely difficult for the agave to return an attractive appearance, so the plant is simply re-rooted and grown again.

rest period

Aloe agave goes to rest with the onset of cold weather. At this time, the plant is taken out to a cool room, where the air temperature does not rise above + 15 ° C, watering is reduced to 1 time in 2-3 weeks. The bush can be left in partial shade, since it does not need additional lighting during the dormant period. "Hibernation" aloe ends in early to mid-spring.

Propagation of aloe cuttings

Varieties of aloe agave, forming trunks of any shape, it is advisable to propagate by cuttings. Planting material is obtained from pieces of stems taken from the tops or middle parts of the shoots.

The cuttings are dried for about a day in the air, after which they are sent to take root in wet sand or clean water. Cuttings are done in the spring. Young plants obtained by this method become decorative in about a couple of years after rooting.

Stemless varieties of aloe are propagated by the separation of young basal rosettes growing at the bases of old ones. Rooted rosettes are placed in a moist substrate, they are cared for in the usual aloe mode.

Diseases and pests

When growing aloe agave, flower growers may encounter the following problems:

There are not so many pests that pose a serious danger to aloe agave in nature. Among them: spider mites, mealybug, scale insects. The most effective control measure is the use of appropriate insecticides.

Types of homemade aloe with photos and names

The most popular type of plant in our country. Aloe arborescens is a shrub that grows under natural conditions up to 3 meters in height, with room content reaching a height of 1.5 m. cm.

Inflorescence many-flowered, racemose, on a long (almost one meter) peduncle. The petals of the flower are slightly bent outward, yellow on the inside, red on the outside.

In nature, it is a shrub or tree up to 5 m tall. The trunk is short, forked-branching, the leaves of an unusual shape for aloe are belt-like, narrow and long (up to 30 cm in length), with a smooth surface of a bluish-green hue, they do not form rosettes, they are arranged oppositely, all in the same plane.

Inflorescence many-flowered, racemose, peduncle about half a meter long, yellow flowers with red cylindrical perianths.

A large non-branching shrub, growing in nature to a height of 4 m. The leaves are fleshy, lanceolate, silver-blue hue, up to 1.5 m in length. Along the edge of each leaf is a lot of cloves of red or brown.

Inflorescence many-flowered, racemose, on a peduncle up to 80 cm long. Intense red or orange flowers.

A miniature succulent about 30 cm high with short stems holding lush basal rosettes of leaves. The leaves themselves are fleshy, triangular-lanceolate in shape, rich green in color with small white spots over the entire surface.

The inflorescence is many-flowered, racemose, on a peduncle up to 30 cm long. The flowers are yellow with perianths of all shades of red.

Medium-sized herbaceous succulent up to 70 cm tall, forming lush basal rosettes of serrated leaves. The leaves themselves are narrow and almost erect, having a bluish-green tint.

The inflorescence is many-flowered, racemose on a peduncle about 60 cm long. The flowers are large, bright red.

A small, stemless succulent (about 15 cm tall) that forms many basal rosettes of long, very narrow, almost erect leaves.

The inflorescence is many-flowered, racemose, on a peduncle up to 60 cm long. The flowers are orange-red or coral.

Previously, aloe could be found in almost every home, even our grandmothers grew it as a medicinal plant. Today, interest in the flower has fallen, but it is still considered a home doctor. People call aloe agave or "wound". The most commonly grown aloe tree (Aloe arborescens).

Caring for aloe at home does not require special skills, the plant is unpretentious and grows without requiring special attention. However, neglecting the basic rules of cultivation can lead to disease, wilting and even death of the plant.

Aloe flower is a herbaceous perennial of the asphodel family, belongs to succulent plants. The birthplace of aloe is South Africa, there are about 350 species in total, but only 15 of them are medicinal.

At home, the flower grows up to 70-80 cm, has juicy dull green leaves with thorns (see photo). The lower leaves are considered curative, the juice of the leaves is bitter. It is unlikely that anyone has seen flowering aloe; in the Russian climate, it lacks light and heat.

Aloe is considered a symbol of patience and vitality. Psychologists recommend growing it at home for people with a timid character.

African sorcerers treated wounds from poisoned arrows with aloe juice, prepared wine that prolonged life, and added it to soldiers' drinks.

In Cuba, juice is mixed with rum and sugar and drunk for headaches, the Chinese treat skin diseases with juice, the Filipinos relieve swelling in beriberi disease.

Aloe juice is a powerful antibacterial agent. It stops the growth of staphylococci, dysentery and tuberculosis bacilli, removes toxins in case of poisoning, restores the skin, strengthens the immune system.

Aloe types

Aloe are divided into plants with an upright stem - tree-like and growing in the form of a rosette - herbaceous.

In addition, there are decorative and medicinal types:

There are varieties with original names: pretty aloe, hedgehog aloe, pretty aloe.

Planting a plant

The soil

The same soil is suitable for aloe as for cacti, so the easiest option is to purchase it in flower shops.

The soil mixture can be prepared by yourself. The composition includes sheet, sod land, sand, charcoal at the rate of 2:3:1:1. It is recommended to add broken white brick or expanded clay to the mixture for better air permeability of the soil.

You can not use peat, because. this is detrimental to the root system. Clay soil is also not suitable, which provokes stagnation of water, which causes root rot.

The composition should not contain nitrogen, it leads to softening and cracking of the leaves, the plant loses its decorative appearance.

Before filling the pot, the soil mixture must be calcined. Drainage material is also disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate.

The land where succulents grow in nature is sand, stones, lack of fertile soil layers, while good aeration and quick drying of the surface. These points must be followed when growing aloe at home.

Pot selection

The best option for aloe is a wide but shallow clay pot. Before planting, the pot must be calcined in the oven. If a plastic container is used, it should be washed thoroughly with hot soapy water.

Landing: step by step instructions

When planting a plant, it is necessary to follow a number of simple rules, since any change in conditions is stress for the plant.

1. 10-15 days before planting, we water the aloe so that it can be easily removed along with a clod of earth and not damage the roots
2. At the bottom of the pot we lay drainage 7 cm high
3. We fall asleep prepared soil to half the pot
4. We must remove the old soil from the roots of the plant and place it in a pot so that the root neck is 2 cm below the edge of the pot
5. We add earth and fix the plant with pebbles at the base of the stem so that the plant does not collapse.
6. Pour expanded clay on top of the soil surface

We put in a shaded place for 5 days and do not water.

Home care

In addition to proper planting, aloe needs proper care.

Ready-made fertilizers and natural organic additives

Top dressing is carried out during the period of active growth from May to August 1 time in 2 weeks. You can use fertilizers specifically designed for succulents, but folk recipes for top dressing are also suitable.

• Top dressing is carried out only after watering the plant and complete impregnation of the soil.
• Newly planted plants do not need to be fed for 6 months
• Top dressing is applied in liquid form, either on top of the soil or through a pallet, drops should not fall on the stems
• It is better to fertilize in the evening or on a cloudy day.
• Feed only healthy plants
• It is better not to overfeed the plant, the norm is 1-2 times a month

Temperature

The temperature for aloe should vary according to the biological cycle of the plant. The optimum temperature in winter at rest should be + 12 ° C, so it is better for a flower in a cool room. In summer, the most comfortable temperature is 25°C.

Lighting

The plant "loves" an abundance of light, so the best place for it in the apartment is the south side. In winter, many use additional artificial lighting, but this leads to stretching of the leaves and loss of decorative effect.

If there was little light in winter, then in spring the plant is gradually accustomed to the sun's rays, taking it out to the balcony, first for an hour, then for a longer time so that the leaves do not burn.

Watering and humidity

During the growth period - in spring and summer, aloe is watered 1-2 times a week, depending on the drying of the earth. During the dormant period in autumn and winter - 1 time per month is enough.

Watering is carried out with settled water at room temperature, around the edge of the pot with a watering can with a thin spout, or by pouring water into the pan. Water should not fall on the leaves.

Important! Aloe is forbidden to spray, the leaves are wiped with a damp cloth when dust appears, otherwise they begin to rot.

Airing

Aloe loves fresh air, so many people take it to the balcony in the summer, providing protection from rain and drafts. In an apartment, it is better not to put it under open windows.

Transfer

The plant needs to be transplanted every 2 years, increasing the volume of the pot by 20%, it is better to do this in the spring. Determining the need for a transplant is very simple:

• The plant stops growing
• In a pot, a woven root ball with almost no soil
• The roots break through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
• Many shoots have grown around the main stem
• The stems lose their even color, dry out
• The leaves are 2 times larger than the diameter of the pot.

Transplantation is carried out according to the same scheme as the planting described above.

pruning

Regular pruning is essential for aloe as a preventative measure for better growth. It is necessary to remove diseased, old and dried leaves, young shoots (kids) that draw juice from the main plant.

Bloom

Most types of aloe plants do not bloom indoors. In the wild, aloe blooms every year with red or yellow flowers collected in a brush.

Propagation of homemade aloe

They say about aloe: "put it in an empty glass and forget it - it will grow and not dry out."

Since in our conditions it is difficult to achieve aloe flowering and get seeds, it is propagated by cuttings, leaf plates and children.

1. The stalk is cut off with a knife, at least 10 cm long, powdered with ash, and after the cut has dried, after 2-3 days, it is planted in moist soil
2. The sheet plate after the cut is placed in water. As soon as the leaf gives roots, it is planted in a permanent place to a depth of 3-4 cm.
3. Young shoots already have a root system, so they are immediately planted in a pot

The plant can be propagated only in spring or summer.

Growing problems with improper care

Diseases and pests

Aloe is a viable flower, but it is also susceptible to disease.

1. Root rot is the most common disease that results from overwatering. It is recommended to remove all damaged roots, sprinkle them with ashes and transplant the plant into new soil. Water no earlier than a month later. If the entire root system is affected, the plant cannot be saved.
2. Dry rot. The development of the disease occurs without visible signs, the plant dries up from the inside and dies.

The scale prevents the photosynthesis of the plant, as a result, the leaves curl and dry out. Even more dangerous is the false shield, which injects poison into the leaf. It is necessary to wipe the sheets with a cloth soaked in alcohol or vinegar, use the Aktara preparation. Transplant the plant, disinfect the containers.

The spider mite is the main enemy of aloe, it is difficult to notice, the only signal is white spots on the leaves. To fight, use the drug - "Aktelik". As a preventive measure, rubbing the leaves with tincture of garlic.

The mealybug is the easiest to kill. The insect does not like humidity, so you need to wipe each sheet with an vinegar solution or Biotlin.

Growing aloe at home will not be difficult even for a beginner, but it can decorate the house and become a home doctor.

Aloe is a genus of perennial herbaceous plants in the lily family. It came to us from Africa, so it withstands drought well.

Its foliage is juicy, forms rosettes. There are thorny varieties and without thorns, and in some species the leaves are covered with wax. Succulent flowers are warm in color: yellow, red or orange. In room conditions, the following species are most often grown:

Species and varieties

It does not have a stem, the foliage is narrow and long, covered with thorns and decorated with white drops. The inflorescences are white, appear on a 50 cm peduncle.

Actually agave plant bushes can reach 3 meters in height. The shoots branch, and the bottom of the stem becomes bald over time. The foliage is arched, xiphoid, covered with thorns. It blooms with red or yellow inflorescences on a tall peduncle.

Or spotted the plant branches well, forms rosettes. The foliage is long, but not very wide, covered with small spots. Flowers are collected in yellow inflorescences.

Or colorful the plant forms a bush up to 30 cm long. The foliage is elongated, sometimes up to 15 cm, green, covered with a white ornament.

A flower with a short shoot. The triangular-shaped foliage is collected in rosettes, has thorns and is covered with small pimples.

Aloe vera or Barbadian has small stems, foliage is lanceolate, decorated with pink spots, spiny, grows from rosettes, leaf length can reach 50 cm. Flowers are yellow in color, appear on the peduncle and form an inflorescence.

Aloe care at home

Plant care has its own nuances. This plant needs a lot of light, it can even be kept under direct rays, and in winter, additional lighting may even be needed. With a long stay of a flower in the shade, it is necessary to transfer it to the light not immediately, but gradually.

In summer, the usual air temperature will be normal for the plant. You can place the succulent in the yard, but so that it does not get rain. In winter, the flower requires a reduced temperature, as it has a dormant period. It is desirable that the thermometer does not rise above 14 ° C.

Watering aloe at home

During the growing season, the plant should be watered as soon as the top ball of soil dries.

Also, do not let water get on the foliage and sockets, because this can lead to decay. For the same reason, agave cannot be sprayed, and humidity is not a key factor in its cultivation.

In order for the plant to bloom, it needs a dormant period, which occurs due to a decrease in temperature and a long day. In general, it is difficult to do this in an apartment, so agave blooms rarely.

Feeding and transplanting aloe at home

A plant grown in a room will be well affected by mineral fertilizing every 30 days. This process begins in mid-April and continues until October. From mid-autumn until next spring, fertilizer is not produced.

A flower transplant is performed when its roots fill the pot. For young plants, the growing time before transplanting is approximately 2 years, and for older plants 4.

Growing Aloe from Seeds

For a plant, quite good, but laborious, is the seed method of reproduction. The material is sown in a mixture of soddy, leafy soil and river sand in a ratio of 1:0.5:1; with a layer of drainage in early spring.

The seed container is kept at a temperature of about 20°C. After 30 days, after the shoots are driven out, the young plants dive into other boxes with the same soil. When the seedlings reach the age of four months, they are seated in separate containers.

Reproduction of aloe leaf

To propagate the agave leaf, take the same soil as for growing seeds. Young leaves growing from the rhizome of the parent plant are carefully separated and simply planted in another container.

Diseases and pests

• If your agave's foliage is sluggish and pale, then you may have flooded it or picked up the wrong soil mixture.
• With a lack of lighting, the shoots of the agave begin to stretch.
• Rotting begins with excess moisture in the soil or water ingress on the leaves.
• Drying of the foliage occurs due to lack of moisture.
• Dark spots on the foliage are formed due to too much drop in temperature (below 9 ° C), as well as when placing a flower pot in drafts.
• Of the pests, the flower is most often affected by aphids, scale insects, spider mites and worms.

Aloe medicinal properties and contraindications

The plant is often used to treat various diseases, but has some contraindications.

It should not be taken in diseases of the liver, gallbladder, hemorrhoids, pregnancy. You also need to be careful when giving agave to children under twelve. A side effect of taking aloe can be insomnia and the removal of beneficial minerals from the body.

• Often agave is taken with honey to cure coughs. To do this, you can simply break off a piece of leaf and eat, dipping in honey.
• The plant also helps to get rid of dandruff. To prepare the mask, one share of agave juice is taken, mixed with a share of castor oil and a share of honey. All this is mixed and applied to damp hair a few minutes before washing your hair.
• To get rid of a runny nose, you can drip a few drops of agave extract into the nostrils.
• You can make face masks from aloe, but for this you need to know the problems of your skin and consult a beautician to make the right mask recipe.
• The plant is quite effective in the fight against acne. To prepare the product, the leaves are crushed, mixed with egg white with a mixer or in a blender. Next, a little lemon juice is dripped into the mass, mixed. After that, it is applied to problem areas for half an hour.
• Sometimes agave juice is used for weight loss. One recipe for this is quite simple: just take a teaspoon of the plant's juice fifteen minutes before meals in the morning and evening.
• Also, aloe vera tinctures and its juice are taken for a general strengthening effect. But, if you can collect the juice yourself, then it is better to buy tinctures in pharmacies, after consulting with doctors.