Aloe vera

Aloe vera is planted in spring, around the month of April. Mainly grown in pots, it is also possible to cultivate it in open ground in regions with mild winters or under shelter. It thrives in poor but well-drained soil.

In a pot: Take a sufficiently large terracotta pot as aloe vera develops shallow but horizontal roots. Fill the bottom with rocks or clay pellets to facilitate drainage. Add a mixture of 1/3 potting soil, 1/3 sand, and 1/3 garden soil. Plant the aloe vera and fill with the mixture, firming it down. Place the pots in full light, behind a window for example. Water regularly (once a week during the growth period, otherwise once a month) but very moderately as aloe vera is sensitive to excess water. Aloe prefers temperatures ideally between 18 and 21°C (64.4 and 69.8°F). During the warm season, place the pots outdoors, initially for one to two weeks in partial shade, then in the sun to gradually acclimatise them. However, avoid direct sunlight, which causes the leaves to turn yellow. Bring the pots indoors at night if the temperatures are cool. Similarly, as winter approaches, place the pots indoors before the first frost. Plan to repot the plant every 3 years or so.

In open ground: choose a location where water will not stagnate as aloe vera is sensitive to excess water. It will appreciate a fairly rocky, well-drained soil, ideally on a slope. Dig a hole about 3 times the volume of the root ball, wide enough as aloe vera develops shallow but horizontal roots. Place a layer of gravel at the bottom and cover with compost. Place the root ball, cover with soil, and firm it down. If planting multiple root balls, space them 70 cm (28in) apart in all directions. Depending on the climate, water regularly but very moderately as aloe vera is sensitive to excess water. If the plant flowers, remove the flower spike after flowering.

From the 3^rd year, suckers will gradually appear around the plant, which you can transplant into pots.