- 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. |
