From my experience as a gardener, one of the easiest plants to cultivate is aloe vera. Even beginner gardeners have testified to this truth.
Aloe vera, known for its medicinal properties, is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
Achieving bigger aloe vera plants requires understanding and implementing certain methods that cater to their unique needs.
How to Make Aloe Vera Grow Bigger? 7 Expert Tips!
In this article, I will share everything you need to know about growing aloe vera. I have implemented the techniques in this article and THEY GAVE ME LARGER AND MORE ROBUST ALOE VERA PLANTS.
Every gardener wants to have bigger crops during harvest season. Let me help you to achieve that by sharing how I made my aloe vera bigger than it used to be.
Read this article till the end to find out more.
7 – Adequate Sunlight
Aloe vera is a succulent that thrives in bright, direct sunlight. This is crucial for photosynthesis, which provides the needed energy for growth. To prevent leggy, weak plants that are prone to pests, it is important to place your aloe vera in a location where it receives enough direct sunlight.
If you grow your aloe vera indoors, then, place it in a south-facing window. That is an ideal way to manage the growth of your plant.
Pro tip: Rotate the plant every few weeks to ensure ADEQUATE and EVEN sunlight exposure.
6 – Use a well-draining soil
The roots of aloe vera need adequate care. This is why well-draining soil is important. If left in waterlogged soil, your aloe vera won’t grow as you expect. The roots will rot. However, well-draining soil prevents water from accumulating around the roots.
This promotes healthy growth and prevents root diseases.
I make use of a cactus or succulent potting mix. Sometimes, I make my mix by combining equal parts of potting soil, sand and perlite, while ensuring the pot has drainage holes that prevent waterlogging.
Keep this in mind.
5 – Avoid Overwatering
Water your aloe vera deeply, but less frequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely before rewatering the plant. Don’t let your aloe vera plant sit in water.
Overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which is bad for the root of your aloe vera plant. Watch out for that.
4 – Fertilization
You don’t need a heavy dose of fertilizer to stimulate your aloe vera’s healthy growth. Small amounts of fertilizer are enough. Balanced fertilizers supply essential nutrients that may be lacking in the soil.
Use a water-soluble fertilizer.
Fertilize once in the spring season and once in the summer season. This has to be during its active growing season.
During the winter season, the plant is dormant. Don’t fertilize during this period.
3 – Repot when Necessary
This is not a compulsory act! You should only do it when necessary. Once your aloe vera outgrows its current pot, you need to place it in a larger pot. Doing this gives it room to grow bigger.
Repotting provides fresh soil and more space for the roots of your aloe vera plant to grow. It also prevents your plant from becoming root-bound. This can affect growth by reducing the plant’s overall health.
2 – Regular Pruning
Constantly check for dead or damaged leaves at the base of your aloe vera plant. With a sharp, clean knife or scissors, make clean cuts to remove these leaves. Also, prune off any offshoots or pups to stimulate the plant’s growth.
By taking out unnecessary parts of your aloe vera plants, you create enough room for the main plant to enjoy more resources, leading to bigger growth.
1- Control Pests and Weeds
Engage in routine checks regularly for pests. When found, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations.
Furthermore, constantly check for weeds and regularly remove them to reduce nutrient and soil competition.