Aloe vera is a very common green plant with long, slender, emerald-green, fleshy leaves, and many people like to keep it at home. When it comes to growing aloe vera, do you know whether it prefers water or dry conditions? Let's find out below.
Does aloe vera prefer water or dryness?
Aloe vera is very drought-tolerant and therefore prefers a dry environment. It thrives in dry conditions and dislikes excessive moisture; overwatering can even lead to root rot. Water only when the aloe vera leaves soften and show signs of needing water. Furthermore, overwatering is detrimental; even a little too much water in the pot can easily cause root rot.
How to water aloe vera
1. Better dry than wet
When watering aloe vera , it's crucial to err on the side of dryness rather than overwatering. It's very important to let the soil drier than to overwater and make it too wet. Before watering, you can lift the pot to check its weight. If the pot feels very light, it means there's almost no water left, and you can water it then.
2. Seasonal watering
Spring and autumn are the peak growing seasons for aloe vera, during which the plant requires more water, about once every 5-6 days. Summer temperatures are higher and humidity is greater; if the pot is small, it will hold less water, so watering can be slightly more frequent, watering whenever the soil is dry, about once every 3-4 days. In winter, keep the soil dry, watering once every two to three weeks, preferably at midday when temperatures are higher, or using lukewarm water.
3. Avoid water accumulation.
Avoid waterlogging at the bottom of the aloe vera pot, as this will keep the roots moist for extended periods.
4. Be aware of rainwater.
If you have potted aloe vera growing outdoors, it's best to move the pots indoors during periods of continuous rain to prevent root rot caused by excessive rainwater.
5. Avoid showering your head.
When watering aloe vera, do not pour water over its head. It is best to water from the side or the base of the plant. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause brown spots or brown rot. If there is too little water, the leaves will gradually dry out, wither, and may even die.
