Aloe vera

Spring-Summer · Indoors

Feed a general fertiliser

Give a standard houseplant feed several times while in growth.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water when compost is dry

Allow the compost to become virtually dry before watering while in growth.

Winter · Indoors

Water sparingly during dormancy

In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.

When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.

Compost · Planting

50:50 grit and cactus compost for repotting

When growing aloes that need sharply drained soil, use a standard cactus compost but add an equal amount of sharp grit to the mix. Put chips or grit on the soil surface to protect the stem of the plant from rotting.

Indoor temperature · Planting

10C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a sunny spot, close to window

Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).