Aloe vera is popular as a medicinal plant and houseplant. Its juice is considered beneficial to health and is used for skin injuries. At the beginning of the year, the aloe blooms. Is it necessary to cut off the flowers?
Yes you should cut off the inflorescence after flowering, otherwise it deprives the plant of valuable energy. Use a clean, sharp knife for cutting!
The queen of medicinal plants, aloe vera is also known as the true aloe, desert rose or bitterroot. For more than a hundred years, its leaves have been used to extract the healing juice. But aloe is popular not only for its healing properties. Originating from tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, the plant is now cultivated all over the world as a houseplant. It is easy to care for and is a favorite for those who have little time for plant care. Even as a container plant, the plant with thick-fleshed leaves makes a good figure.
Plant characteristics:
- Rosette-like, thick-fleshed leaves with small spines on the leaf edges.
- Leaves retain moisture
- Height of growth: 40 to 60 centimeters
- Plant diameter: 40 to 60 centimeters
Contents
The flower
As early as January, the aloe vera produces a long-stalked inflorescence. This can reach up to 80 or 90 centimeters in height and form one or two side shoots. Red, orange or yellow flowers develop at the ends. Many small tubular flowers are arranged around the stem, forming a pointed flower cluster.
Gradually, the tubular flowers bloom. Thus, at the same time on one inflorescence are faded, blooming and still closed flowers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the reason when the aloe vera does not bloom?
Aloe vera blooms for the first time after three years. It needs a location by the window as sunny as possible or a place on the terrace protected from rain. Use nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Succulent or cactus soil is ideal. Avoid waterlogging. Under these conditions, the aloe will surely bloom.
How to obtain seeds of aloe?
If you want to propagate the plant by seed, do not cut off the flower immediately after it has faded. Let them dry on the plant. The seeds form in the small tubular flowers. Remove the inflorescence, shake out the seeds and let them dry on kitchen paper. Seeds can be sown all year round. Propagation of aloe is easier by means of filaments than growing by seeds.
