Taking care of aloe vera plants is not a particularly difficult plant to care for, it requires proper attention including placement, sunlight, watering, and other care details.
There are still many serious common mistakes that you may not be aware of to fix and prevent problems so the plant does not get damaged or die. So, discover the easy ways to take care of aloe vera plants by avoiding the 8 most common mistakes below.
The most common mistake once taking care of aloe vera plants is overwatering, as if like a regular houseplant. Aloe vera does not like constantly wet soil because too much water causes the roots to rot easily and the leaves to become mushy.
Tips: Water only when the top few inches of soil are completely dry and reduce the water in winter season. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and do not leave the pot sitting on a tray filled with water.
The next common mistake when taking care of aloe vera plants is placing them in areas with insufficient light.
If the light is too dark, aloe vera plants will appear weak, pale, and have abnormally elongated leaves and it can get sunburn if affected by too much light in the direct sunlight.
Tips: Take the aloe in the right spot, ideally near an east or south window to get bright, indirect light. When the rainy or winter seasons come, you can use a grow light to keep the light stable.
Many plants look good from a distance, but are actually already in the stressed and unwell condition when you bring them home. The condition such as limp leaves, wet spots, or uneven color are usually signs that the aloe vera plant is stressed.
Tips: If you have already purchased an unhealthy plant, give the roots time to adapt for a few days and place it in bright light, do not water it immediately. Get the plant time to adjust with the condition.
Take care of aloe vera plants that are quite resistant, but plants that are under stress are prone to attracting small pests like mealybugs and scale.
Tips: Monitor your plants regularly. If you find fine white spots or small hard bumps, immediately clean them with cotton dipped in a 50:50 mixture of alcohol and water. If the infestation is severe, you can use a mild insecticidal soap.
Aloe vera plants need good air circulation and fast drainage. Soil that is too dense, rich compost, or garden soil causes water to be retained and the roots to lack air.
Tips: If you want to use regular soil, mix it with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to make it lighter. The faster the water drains, the safer the aloe is from the risk of root rot.
You must also pay attention to the signals they give when there is a problem in your aloe vera plant. Unfortunately, many people still misinterpret the symptoms and provide the wrong solution.
Common signs to note such as when the leaves are wrinkled, it is a sign of water deficiency, if the leaves are soft and wet, it is a sign of excess water; and when the leaves turn red or yellow, it means they are experiencing light stress.
Tips: Recognize and understand the signs. If the leaves are wrinkled, increase watering as needed. If they are soft, stop watering and make sure the drainage is good.
You can move it to a shadier place or provide protection from the hot midday sun if the color changes.
Also read: Time to Shine! 8 Facts About Aloe Vera Hair Benefits
Repotting too often or separating seedlings when the plant is not ready will only cause problems and more stress to the aloe vera.
Tips: Moving the pot is better when roots start to emerge from the holes or offshoots have filled the pot, typically every few years.
Do not move them when the plant is not in good condition or has recently recovered from other issues. Allow the cut area to dry for one to two days before replanting.
By knowing some common mistakes about how to properly care for aloe vera plants, you will find it easier to find the right solution to overcome them.
It is also important for you to understand the basic needs of this fleshy-leaved plant: bright light, porous soil, and infrequent watering so that the plant can grow healthily, with thick leaves and a fresher color.
Perfect for those who want a low-maintenance plant that is adorable and useful that easily plants indoors and outdoors.
