Aloe RAMOSISSIMA

Aloe, like virtually all succulents, is undemanding in care. The century plant loves light very much, and therefore it is best placed on windowsills located in the southern part of the room. However, it can also be grown in shaded spots, but it should be noted that with a severe lack of light, the aloe leaves will stretch and turn pale. In summer, the plant can be moved outdoors, but rainwater must not be allowed to fall on it. A century plant kept outdoors for a long time has distinct advantages over one grown exclusively indoors: it develops stouter spines and a well-formed stem.

In summer, aloe needs fairly generous watering. In winter, on the other hand, it should be watered very rarely, using exclusively water at room temperature or slightly warmer. If watering is too meager, the leaves will become very thin and contain little juice. Because the roots of the century plant are very thick and fill the pot completely, during watering the water rushes into the drip tray almost without delay. For this reason, it makes sense to water the plant by pouring water into the tray rather than into the pot. Furthermore, the finest roots capable of absorbing moisture are located at the very bottom. To avoid rot on the roots, the remaining liquid must be emptied from the tray 30 minutes after watering. For aloe, air humidity does not matter. Occasionally, however, a warm shower is needed to clear dust from the leaves.

In summer, the century plant requires moderate air temperatures, and with the onset of winter it must be moved to a cooler room. The plant tolerates sharp temperature changes remarkably well. Most species are capable of enduring temperature drops down to 6 °C (43 °F). However, there are also species that require a temperature of at least 15 °C (59 °F).

You can make the soil mix yourself by combining leaf soil and sod soil with sand and humus in a 1:2:1:1 ratio. Also add charcoal and crushed brick. Peat should not be included in the composition. The soil should have a slightly acidic reaction. You can purchase a ready-made soil mix for cacti. Adding a little crushed brick and charcoal to it is recommended. While the plant is young, repotting is carried out every year. Mature aloe requires repotting much less frequently, performed once every 2 or 3 years. Deep flower pots are chosen, never forgetting good drainage.

Fertilization is carried out only once every 4 weeks and only during the spring-summer period. A mineral fertilizer for succulents and cacti is used for this (mixed into a very weak solution). Feeding must be stopped in mid-autumn and not resumed until spring.

Scale insects may target the plant. To get rid of them, wipe the leaves as often as possible with a cloth moistened in soapy water.