Mind and Body
 
 

Home > Lifestyle > Gardening > Gardening Basics > Growing Aloes
  Discussion Boards Free Newsletter Shopping Refer this page Readers Tips
Growing Aloes
By Eurica Teichmann

Aloes are easy going succulent plants that need very little maintenance. When growing your aloes, it is good to know what the aloe habitat of that aloe species is and try to imitate that as much as possible. On the other hand, most aloes for sale are hybrids and even if they were a species, it is seldom possible to get the right identification.

There are a few rules that can be followed for any aloe.

Aloe hybrids are much easier than aloe species in that the hybrid has a wider choice of growing conditions inherited from at least two different aloes species.

An aloe can go for months without water, but they rot very easy when wet.

In the wild aloe habitat most species occur on slopes or ridges. Follow this pattern by giving aloe plants plenty of large and small stones around the roots for drainage. Good drainage is essential; as is humus and old manure.

In the wild, leaves and dry grass get blown amongst the rocks and stones. Add some Dolomite gravel, it will not harm the plants as it dissolves slowly so that it gives a good calcium/magnesium balance which is appreciated by most, and essential to some aloes. If dolomite is not available, sprinkle roughly one half teaspoon Epsom salts and a full teaspoon lime around the plants at monthly intervals for 3-4 months in the rainy season.

Aloes can withstand some rain and water in a warm climate provided they get a chance to dry out every few days. Aloes can also withstand short periods of frost in a dry climate. Growing aloes in the open garden, in a wet cold climate is near to impossible. However by planting aloes in pots or containers and moving them inside you can still grow your aloes.

When summer rain occurs, do not water the aloes. An aloe can go for months without water, but they rot very easy when wet. Keep them in a dry place and resist the temptation to water them. They will not die of thirst.



How much water is the difficult question. Once or twice per month in the summer - only in desert regions. No need to water in winter, as they will get enough water in the summer.

Winter rainfall areas: Here the rules will be once or twice a month in the summer for the summer growing aloes only, which is most aloes. Plant the aloes on stones to keep the water running off quickly from the winter rain. Not many aloes will grow in the winter rainfall area, try to get aloes that have been doing well in your area.

The number one enemy of aloes...ants. Watch out for any sign of ants. They carry aphids into the crevices of the rosette where the aphids damage the plants and that is a very quick way to loose an aloe to rot.

Once the aloes have adjusted to your conditions, they will need very little maintenance.

 
The Author
 

Rudi and Eurica have been growing aloes for some 30+ years. First in Namibia and then in South Africa. Both countries have large succulent aloe habitats which we love. they have 100+ different aloes in their garden and cultivate aloe seeds to sell on the www. the website address is http://storm.prohosting.com/farm4u

Source: www.isnare.com

 
Posted: January 24, 2006

More Gardening Articles

More Vegetable Garden Info

print this article

submit an article

refer this page to a friend
Related Links Related Books

Google
Web PT

Menu

Lawn Care/ Landscaping
Basic Gardening
Pests & Problems
Vegetables & Fruit
Herbs
Garden Ideas
The Floral Garden
Readers Gardening Tips

Related Articles

Water-saving Secrets for Gardeners and Lawn Lovers

This Spring Take a Walk on the Wildflower Side

Plants, Herbs, and Roots for Prosperity

Real Simple Secrets for Selecting Outdoor Statuary

Tomato Guru Shares Tips for Picking the Best of This Summer's Crop

The Rose: The Queen of Flowers Blossoms in Summer Arrangements

Balcony Tips:How to easily create an above ground garden

click for more

Related Forums

Have a gardening question, soil, trees and shrubs, landscaping, xeroscaping, hydroponics? Trouble with pests on your lawn, garden or trees?. post them here or share your gardening tips...
 

click for more

 

OUR NEWSLETTER
Enter your name and email address below to subscribe to our newsletter. It's FREE!
Name:
Email:
  Channel Guide
The Crafting Business
Holidays Crafts
Weddings
Childrens Crafts
Craft Basics
General Crafts
Soap Making
Candle Making
Floral Crafts
Home Brews
Organizers
Dollar Savers
Dollar Savers 2
Car Expenses Savings
Home Decorating
Home Repairs
Seasonal
Healthy Cooking
Cooking Solutions
Meat and Seafood
Vegetables & Fruit
Sweets and Treats
Childrens Meals
Theme-Holiday
Cooking Basics
Herbs
Preserves
Uses For...
Weddings
Home Savings
Gardening Center
Pets
Home Cleaning Solution Center
Small / Home Business

 

Translate This Page
French / German / Italian / Japanese / Chinese / Russian / Spanish / Swedish

Contact us About Us Advertising Author Directory Privacy Terms Of Use Article Submissions Mind and Body
© Copyright 1999 - 2008 Pioneer Thinking. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
* tm; the property of Pioneer Thinking Company.
 
No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means
without the expressed permission of Pioneer Thinking
 
Optimized for MSIE 7 - Firefox 2 - 1280x800