Come annaffiare un’aloe vera?
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Aloe vera is the star of the "jungle chic" look. With its attractive appearance, air-purifying qualities and medicinal uses (its gel works wonders on burns), it has plenty to offer.
But beware: despite its robust appearance, it has a potentially fatal weakness. This succulent comes from arid environments. It is built to store water, not to sit in it.
How can you water it without causing its precious leaves to rot? Follow our guide.
1. When should you water? (Let the soil dry out)
Unlike calatheas or ficus plants, aloe vera needs its soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Spring / Summer: Water approximately every 10 to 15 days.
- Autumn / Winter: The plant is dormant. A light watering once a month is enough.
The finger test: Push your finger 3 cm into the soil. If you feel any moisture, do not water. Wait a few more days.
2. Which tool should you use?
Aloe vera grows in a rosette. If water collects at the base of the leaves (the centre of the plant), the plant will rot within a few days. You should therefore never water it "from above".
You need a precise tool to pour water directly onto the soil without wetting the leaves.
Precision comes first
To save your aloe, use a long-spouted watering can. It lets you direct water beneath the fleshy leaves without wetting the centre of the plant.
- 🎯 Fine spout: Aim for the soil, not the leaves.
- ✨ Design: An elegant object that complements aloe vera’s modern look.
3. How do you water it correctly?
Indoors
The technique is to give it a "thorough but infrequent soaking".
- Pour water generously onto the soil (avoiding the leaves).
- Let the water drain through the drainage holes.
- IMPORTANT: Empty the saucer immediately! If the roots sit in leftover water, the plant is certain to die.
Note: Never mist aloe vera. Water on the leaves encourages fungal growth.
In the garden (southern France)
If you are lucky enough to grow aloe vera in the ground (beware: it is vulnerable to frost!), rainfall is usually enough. Only water during a prolonged summer drought, if the leaves start to become thinner.
4. The secret is in the soil
Even the best watering technique is useless if your potting mix holds water like a sponge.
Aloe vera needs excellent drainage. Use a specialist cactus mix or mix your potting soil with 1/3 river sand or perlite. Always place expanded clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot.
5. Too much water? Warning signs
Your aloe is trying to tell you something. Here is how to read the signs:
- Soft, yellow or transparent leaves: There is too much water! Stop watering. If the soil is waterlogged, take the plant out of its pot and let the roots air-dry for 24 hours before repotting it in dry potting mix.
- Thin leaves that curl inwards: The plant is short of water (which is quite rare). It is drawing on its reserves. Give it a thorough watering.
- Brown, dry leaves: Too much direct sunlight (sunburn).
In summary
Aloe vera is a self-sufficient plant. Treat it like a cactus, not a fern.
Use well-drained soil, water precisely at the base and, above all, let the soil dry out!
View our precision watering cans