Where Does Aloe Vera Grow?
Aloe Vera can be grown in both pots and the ground. It is a native of the south-west Arabian Peninsula. It requires very little maintenance. It doesn’t require fertilizer and it is easy to grow. Its best feature is its ability heal burns.
Native to the south-west Arabian Peninsula
The region is home to many species that are native to the area. Notable are the Juniperus forests and the remnant escarpment woods. These ecosystems are part the Eastern Afromontane Bioregion, which is home 2 000 vascular plant species and 2 endemic genera. These ecosystems are home to the majority of the endemic bird species in the southwest Arabian Peninsula, including the Tihamah plain and the Asir Mountains.
Easy to grow
Aloe vera can be grown easily. It thrives in a sunny area. Although you can’t grow the plant from leaf cuttings, you can propagate it by detaching clone plants from the base of an adult plant. Younger plants should be grown in a 2-inch pot with drainage holes.
Low maintenance
Aloe vera is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require much attention. It grows well in a low-light environment and thrives when placed in indirect light. Aloe vera is a succulent that can tolerate a wide range in temperatures. However, it prefers temperatures between 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Aloe does not require much water but it does require well-drained soil. If grown in pots, use a fast-draining potting mix, such as Miracle-Gro (r) Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix.
No fertilizer needed
Aloe Vera is a tropical perennial found in USDA hardiness zones eight through eleven, and it can also be grown indoors. Its long, pointed leaves are greenish-gray and serrated in edges, and they grow up to eighteen inches long. It thrives in sunny areas and requires little to no fertilizer.
Crowding encourages mold and insect infestations
If it is exposed to high temperatures or humidity, Aloe vera can become rusty and develop other diseases. The conditions that can cause rust are 60-82 degrees Fahrenheit. Other symptoms of aloe rust include rotting leaves and stems, and soft brown areas. Other possible causes include insect predation or excessive moisture.
Heavy frost and snow are not recommended.
Frost tolerant plants are those whose leaves will not be damaged by a heavy frost or snowfall. The term frost refers to nighttime temperatures that are 28 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Hard frost is even more dangerous. A good way to protect your plants from frost is to plant them in an area where they will receive maximum winter light. Avoid planting them in areas where the wind will dry out their leaves or stems.
