ALOES
ALOES - SURPRISING SUCCULENTS
By Maxina D Williams
Aloes are surprisingly easy to grow. They are water-wise and an essential for every garden. They are incredibly hardy but their hardiness is just part of their charm. This species is treasured not only for its dramatic flowers but also for its sculptured form. They can create a spectacular and dramatic effect in any situation.
Aloes are a genus of the succulent family and are native to Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian peninsular and various African islands but it is in South Africa where they are most prolific. They can be grown in a variety of regions but they require good sunshine and excellent drainage.
They can be quite susceptible to root rot, which is most aggressive in humid, cloudy or wet weather. They are therefore best suited to sandy, gravelly soil which provides the good drainage needed for a happy plant. If your soil is predominately clay based, you should sweeten it with a product such as gypsum and work in a quantity of sand and gravel.
Aloes also make good potted specimens and can enhance your patio or outdoor living area but there are a few things to watch out for with a potted aloe. It is best to use a terracotta (clay) pot rather than a plastic one as terracotta doesn't retain water the way plastic does and therefore allows for better drainage. Another no-no is to stand the pot in a saucer. It is also advisable to raise it off the ground with pot feet to make sure that the drainage hole doesn't become blocked. Avoid leaving your potted aloe out in the open during extended wet weather; it is best to keep it under the eaves or some other shelter.Unlike a lot of other potted plants, aloes don't mind being slightly pot-bound, which can actually prevent overwatering. They should be re-potted after their annual flowering.
Aloe Vera is the best known of the species for its healing qualities but there are over 300 different species of aloes and many hybrids, ranging from toothed to almost smooth and from bright green to blue and gray. There are also variegated varieties which are highly collectible. Many aloes have long stemmed spikes of bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors and, as the flower spike ages, they can change color, thus adding further interest. They can bloom annually from an early age and then just get better and better with each flowering.
Another benefit in growing aloes is their attraction for the birds and bees. Not only does their sweet nectar lure our feathered friends and pollinating bees into your garden but their leaves also collect rain, thus providing a supply of water for your visitors.
The earliest known evidence of the healing qualities of Aloe Vera dates back to approximately 3500 BC in ancient Egypt.
The aloe is a most interesting and exciting plant to have in your garden and one that will give you a lot of pleasure.
Aloes are a genus of the succulent family and are native to Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian peninsular and various African islands but it is in South Africa where they are most prolific. They can be grown in a variety of regions but they require good sunshine and excellent drainage.
They can be quite susceptible to root rot, which is most aggressive in humid, cloudy or wet weather. They are therefore best suited to sandy, gravelly soil which provides the good drainage needed for a happy plant. If your soil is predominately clay based, you should sweeten it with a product such as gypsum and work in a quantity of sand and gravel.
Aloes also make good potted specimens and can enhance your patio or outdoor living area but there are a few things to watch out for with a potted aloe. It is best to use a terracotta (clay) pot rather than a plastic one as terracotta doesn't retain water the way plastic does and therefore allows for better drainage. Another no-no is to stand the pot in a saucer. It is also advisable to raise it off the ground with pot feet to make sure that the drainage hole doesn't become blocked. Avoid leaving your potted aloe out in the open during extended wet weather; it is best to keep it under the eaves or some other shelter.Unlike a lot of other potted plants, aloes don't mind being slightly pot-bound, which can actually prevent overwatering. They should be re-potted after their annual flowering.
Aloe Vera is the best known of the species for its healing qualities but there are over 300 different species of aloes and many hybrids, ranging from toothed to almost smooth and from bright green to blue and gray. There are also variegated varieties which are highly collectible. Many aloes have long stemmed spikes of bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors and, as the flower spike ages, they can change color, thus adding further interest. They can bloom annually from an early age and then just get better and better with each flowering.
Another benefit in growing aloes is their attraction for the birds and bees. Not only does their sweet nectar lure our feathered friends and pollinating bees into your garden but their leaves also collect rain, thus providing a supply of water for your visitors.
The earliest known evidence of the healing qualities of Aloe Vera dates back to approximately 3500 BC in ancient Egypt.
The aloe is a most interesting and exciting plant to have in your garden and one that will give you a lot of pleasure.
Maxina Williams loves anything to do with gardening and outdoor living.
http://www.gardenswings-n-things.blogspot.com
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http://www.gardenswings-n-things.blogspot.com
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/GardenThings
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/gardenswings
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