All about the Aloe Vera Plant

Care of the Aloe Vera plant in the UK

When planting your Aloe plant in the United Kingdom use a planter with a drainage hole or provide a 1" to 2" layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot to ensure adequate drainage.

Use a good commercial potting compost mix with extra perlite, granite, grit or coarse sand added. You may also use a packaged "cacti mix" soil.

Fertilize yearly in the spring with a dilute-(half strength), bloom type fertilizer. (10-40-10)­

It is best to place the Aloe near a window that gets plenty of sun. You can move the plants outside during the summer months. During these months the soil should be completely soaked but then allowed to dry out again before re­watering. Because Aloe plants consist of 95% water they are extremely frost tender.

During the winter months the plant will become somewhat dormant and will utilize little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal. Allow the soil to become completely dry before giving a cup or two of water.