Many people consider the aloe plant to be a “house doctor,” and they are absolutely right. IN medicinal purposes They use juice squeezed from the lower and middle leaves; the apical rosettes do not need to be touched so that the plant does not stop its development. Moreover, the healing properties of aloe (agave) begin to appear only closer to the age of five, so the juice of young plants is absolutely useless.

Aloe, agave (Aloe) belongs to the Liliaceae family.

The most widespread tree aloe. The plant has a stem on which are fleshy, bluish-green, slightly curved leaves with thorns along the edges. Sometimes aloe blooms with orange-red flowers, but this is very rare.

Aloe is a decorative leafy succulent houseplant. As a rule, it forms basal rosettes of fleshy, spiny leaves. Rarely affected by diseases and pests.

Aloe(from Arabic alloeh - “brilliant and bitter”) belongs to the asphodelaceae family, the genus aloe - Aloe L. There are about 350 species of aloe found in nature, many varieties and hybrid forms.

This plant received the following popular names: “agave”, “doctor”, “rannik”. When describing aloe flowers, it is often mentioned that this plant received the name “agagave” thanks to popular belief– supposedly its flowering occurs once every 100 years. This is not true, since with good care of aloe at home, flowers can appear almost every year. Since ancient times, this healing plant has been revered by the people as a symbol of life and health.

Where does aloe grow in nature: the plant’s homeland and history of origin

The homeland of the ploe plant is South Africa. In nature, aloe is widespread in Somalia, Ethiopia, South-West Africa (Cape region), Transvaal (province of South Africa), on the Arabian Peninsula, on the island of Socotra, Macronesia, Madagascar, southern North America, Central and South America, Asia, New Guinea, the Mediterranean, Europe (to the southern regions of Sweden and Ireland).

It is always hot where aloe grows. These plants live in coastal semi-desert areas among thorny bushes, in savannas, and in mountain deserts at an altitude of 2500–2750 m above sea level. High-mountain aloes, such as polyphylla (A. polyphylla), can withstand frost, and some species in the Namib Desert and on the Namaqualand Plateau form true succulent forests.

At the end of the 16th century. aloe began to be grown in Central America (a kind of aloe plantation of global importance). South Africa is the main source of sabur from wild plants.

Where does aloe grow in nature on the Eurasian continent? These plants can be found in the humid subtropics - in Transcaucasia, Crimea and Central Asia. Even in ancient times, the Arabs noticed the healing effect that aloe has on the human body.

Making long treks through the desert, both people and animals were forced to make do with meager food for a long time. Exhausted by heat and fatigue, people were more susceptible to illnesses caused by numerous infections. Eating simple rough food, the caravan workers suffered from intestinal disorders and stomach pain. The dry hot wind had an adverse effect on the skin, and due to the weakening of the body and decreased regenerative function, small cuts and abrasions turned into non-healing ulcers.

From the history of the origin of aloe it is known that since ancient times these plants have helped to endure the hardships and hardships of nomadic life. It is not for nothing that the Arabs considered it a symbol of patience. Due to its healing properties, aloe has been used as magical plant when performing healing rituals, most often as part of incense.

Now it is difficult to say which of the sorcerers of ancient Africa first noticed the ability of aloe leaves to give strength to a sick person and restore health, but they began to add it to the camp food and drink of warriors who made long marches, participating in numerous skirmishes and battles.

As a result, wounds, which until recently were considered fatal, healed faster, and severe sandstorms did not exhaust caravans as much along the way. Aloe was also valued as a life-saving antidote for wounds left by poisoned arrows. Each warrior had with him a composition of agave, prepared with his own hands under the guidance of a knowledgeable doctor.

Arab women considered aloe a plant that could facilitate conception and give strength to a newly born child. Even the fading old people were offered a potion of aloe juice and new wine by sorcerers-healers. It was believed that the effect of the drink prolongs life and revitalizes the blood of the deepest old man.

The famous Ibn Sina (Avicenna) mentioned aloe as powerful tool against sand fever - a condition that often occurred in travelers weakened by hunger and dehydration, when, under the influence of scorching sun rays and dry wind, their body lost the ability to satisfactorily exchange heat and a state of heat stroke occurred. At this moment, the person’s temperature rose greatly and sweating completely stopped. Continuing to be under the sun, the unfortunate man quickly lost consciousness and died from a further increase in temperature to lethal limits - this is 41–42 ° C, when the coagulation of proteins in the blood begins.

Nowadays, agave is one of the most important drugs in the treatment of all types of impotence, as it effectively restores blood circulation in the cavernous bodies and has a not very strong, but stable ability to increase the production of male sex hormones.

The Aboriginal tribes of South Africa did not question the connection of the plant with the emergence of new life. Their sorcerers believed that each birth of a child is accompanied by the appearance of a new shoot of aloe, which in South Africa reaches truly gigantic sizes - about 6-8 m. During the birth of a child, the aloe was replenished with a new young branch, which symbolized the beginning of a new life.

Below you can see botanical description aloe and learn about its beneficial properties.

Botanical description of aloe, chemical composition of leaves, photo of flowering

Perennial herbaceous or shrubby (tree-like) plants reach a height of 10–15 m and have a trunk diameter of up to 2 m. Tree-like forms have a thick reddish trunk with traces of dead leaves on the lower part.

Aloe leaves are juicy and huge(up to 65 cm long, up to 3.5 cm wide, up to 2 cm thick), fleshy, convex below and concave above, with sharp spines along the edges. Leaf shape: oblong-lanceolate, lanceolate, xiphoid or deltoid. The leaves are stem-embracing, arranged alternately, and in the upper part of the stem they are brought together in the form of a rosette.

The color of the leaves is greenish-gray or dark green, sometimes with a waxy coating. Aloe leaves often have dark and light spots or yellow streaks. Aloe leaves are capable of Not favorable conditions close pores and thus retain moisture.

Under favorable conditions, aloe blooms and bears fruit annually or every other year. Aloe flowers are collected in paniculate or racemose inflorescences of orange, yellow, coral, sometimes white, 20–40 cm long; very beautiful. The perianth is simple, tubular, the corolla below is often spherically expanded, sweet nectar accumulates there. The perianth is formed by six linear petals, which are arranged in two circles at the base. There are six stamens, and they are also arranged in two circles.

Look at the photo of this aloe at the time of flowering:

When describing aloe leaves, it is necessary to note that they contain a huge amount of useful substances: anthraglycosides (aloin), which irritate the gastric mucosa and enhance intestinal motility, existing derivatives of some resinous substances, enzymes, amino acids, essential oils. also in chemical composition leaves include vitamins (group B: B5, B6, B9), beta-carotene, vitamins A, K, C, E), minerals - calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, copper, phosphorus, malic acid, salicylic acid, polysaccharides, zinc, chromium

An intact and cleanly washed plant can significantly reduce the number of bacteria in your home: 2-3 adult bushes or 7-8 young plants will improve the air quality in a 20-meter living room by at least 2 times.

If there is a sick person in the house, you should strengthen healing effect by spraying cold aloe extract.

To do this, you need to chop 2-3 aloe leaves, fill them with cold water, leave them for at least half an hour, and with this infusion, humidify the air in the room in any available way: using an electric or manual sprayer, or simply by hanging a towel soaked in this infusion on the heater.

Also, when describing the aloe plant, it is definitely worth mentioning that it can also accumulate and process formaldehyde, which is emitted by many materials used for interior decoration and furniture making. The caring green doctor will protect you here too.

Aloe is credited with the property of strengthening fortitude and helping to endure loneliness.

Muslims returning from Mecca bring aloe as evidence of their successful pilgrimage. They hang it over the threshold of their house with the top towards the holy places. In their opinion, after this no evil demons can enter the home.

Occasionally the plant should be pinched. It readily forgives such treatment if we do it correctly: we use the lower leaves for treatment, removing them from the trunk with a slight turn from left to right.

And it’s also a good idea to remember the old advice of healers - to have as many thorny plants on the window as possible - this will protect your home from enemies and the evil eye.

For medicinal purposes, the lower and middle well-developed leaves of aloe, at least 18 cm long, are used, while leaving the apical rosettes of young leaves (for further development of plants next year). Leaves with a weak, peculiar odor and a strong bitter taste. Loss in weight upon drying is not less than 92%; dry residue in juice taken from fresh leaves before canning is at least 2%. Leaves are harvested in autumn winter period from a 3-4 year old plant, thoroughly washed with boiled water, wrapped in black paper (with a tube with through ends) and kept in a dark place (for example, in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf) at a temperature of 4-8C for 2 weeks.

Then they are washed with cool boiled water, cut into small plate-like pieces 0.2–0.3 mm in size and filled with water in a ratio of 1:3. Leave in a dark, cool place for 1.5 hours. Then wrap in gauze and squeeze by hand or using a juicer. Filter through thick material or several layers of gauze.

What types of aloe plants are there: photos and names of flowers

The following types of aloe flowers are widespread in indoor floriculture:

Aloe variegated (A. variegata) - dark green leaves with light transverse stripes, leaves arranged in three rows

Aloe whitish (A. albida)

Aloe arborescens (A. arborescens) - with long leaves on a tall stem

Aloe graceful (A. sopstpa)

Aloe shortifolia (A. brevifolia)

Aloe Marlota (A.marlothii)

Aloe soap (A. saponaria) - leaves with white oblong spots

Aloe real (A. vera)

Aloe spinosa (A. aristata) - a plant with a spherical rosette of leaves and many offspring

Aloe striped (A. striata)

Aloe pleasant (A. jucunda)

Aloe squat (A. humilis)

Aloe ciliated (A. ciliaris)

Aloe foldata (A. plicatilis) - is highly decorative.

Most species of aloe plants in room conditions does not bloom.

In almost every house, in almost every apartment, somewhere on the kitchen windowsill there is a nice pot of agave. This perennial plant is usually passed down from generation to generation, growing into a large, fancy bush. It blooms, according to legend, once every hundred years, but when proper care looks very decorative.

Aloe arborescens

Aloe vera arborescens is usually grown at home ( Aloe arborescens), a succulent shrub that grows up to 3 m or more even at home. Its homeland is South Africa, where the crop grows on the rocky slopes of mountains up to an altitude of 1800 m and on the coast. The erect branching leaves below are covered with the remains of dead leaves. The lateral leaves are narrow-lanceolate, succulent, pointed towards the apex, with spines curved along the edge, matte green or bluish, up to 60 cm long. In southern and tropical Africa, in the driest regions, aloe vera blooms every year, forming peduncles with dense racemes scarlet flowers reaching a length of up to 80 cm.

When describing aloe flowers, it is important to note that they are collected in a multi-flowered racemose inflorescence; they are a six-color tubular perianth, separated almost to the very base, with leaflets up to 4 cm long.

In folk medicine of tropical and subtropical countries, fresh aloe leaves are widely used, but in Russia the use of aloe tree juice is more common.

In Georgia, aloe vera is grown as an annual plant. In order to get a harvest of leaves for next year, it is propagated in August-September by rooting side shoots.

At home, tree aloe, grown in pots, produces many side shoots and grows well in height. The leaves of domesticated aloe are just as juicy and narrow, with thorns along the edges, and can reach 20-30 cm in length.

Aloe variegated

Another variety of agave - aloe variegated (Aloe variegata) - a succulent plant up to 30 cm high. The leaves are arranged in three spirally twisted, dense rows on very short stems or in basal rosettes, fleshy, triangular-lanceolate, keeled, finely spiky along the edge, 10-15 cm long, green. This type of aloe got its name because of the irregular transverse stripes on the leaves, consisting of small white spots. Flowers are up to 3.5 cm long on peduncles up to 30 cm high. The pink peroral is yellow inside, blood red or scarlet outside with green stripes.

Aloe foldata

Shrub or small tree with a short branching trunk up to 3-5 m high – aloe vera (Aloe plicatilis). The leaves are located at the ends of the branches in two rows of 10-16 pieces, belt-shaped, rounded at the top, succulent, up to 30 cm long, 3-4 cm wide, gray or bluish-green in color. Aloe vera is found in South Africa, where it grows on rocky mountain slopes. It should be noted that in this variety of aloe, dried and wilted leaves quickly fall off and leave a weak scar.

Aloe spinosa

Aloe spinosa (Aloe aristata) - a plant with thick leaves, which are collected in dense basal rosettes with a diameter of 9-10 cm. Wide leaves are 1-1.5 cm wide at the base, 8-10 cm long, ending in a colorless awn at the apex. The surface of the leaf is covered with white soft hooked spines arranged in transverse or longitudinal rows. Along the edge of the leaf there is a cartilaginous serrated border. The inflorescence is a weakly branched raceme on a peduncle about 50 cm high. The flowers have a tubular orange-red perianth 4 cm long.

Aloe longospinalis

Aloe longospinalis (Aloe longiaristata) is a plant with green leaves. White spines are located at the bottom and along the edges of the leaves, which create dense rosettes.

Aloe latifolia

Aloe latifolia (Aloe latifolia) grows like a bush. Its leaves are wide and curved, colored green color, with light dots and spots, prickly spines along the edges.

Aloe spotted

Aloe spotted (Aloe vahegata) - the plant is rather undersized, but very beautiful, its leaves are arranged as if in a spiral, in three rows.

Aloe multifolia

The short delta-shaped leaves of the South African multileaf aloe (Aloe polyphylla) form a distinct spiral, which is why this variety is often called spiral aloe.

Aloe undaunted

Widely distributed in many areas of South Africa aloe undaunted (Aloe ferox), growing on rocky soils with low grass cover. This species is often used as a landscape plant, especially in the Cape Region. The edges of its leaves have hard, spine-like teeth. Its flowers are very rich in nectar, which accumulates at the base of the flower column.

Sunbirds - small birds - sit on the inflorescence just below the flower, from which they drink nectar, plunging their beak into the perianth, thus pollination occurs.

Aloe dichotomous

Aloe dichotomous (Aloe dichotoma) is a tree-like plant that is pollinated by sunbirds and bees. Baboons, attracted to blooming aloe, suck nectar from the flower cluster, tearing it apart. The height of the branched trunk can reach 9 m.

Bushmen and Hottentots in the past used hollowed out branches of Aloe dichotomos as quivers for arrows. That is why it is also called quiver tree.

Aloe Pilansa

This variety of agave is similar in appearance to dichotomous aloe, but the plant is less branched and taller, up to 10 m.

Aloe Pilansa also grows in the Namib Desert of South Africa and in areas of the Namaqualand Tablelands on the flat tops of small rocky hills. The uniqueness of this species is that its peduncles, which can bear up to 50 clusters of lemon-yellow flowers, emerge from the axils of not the upper, but the lowest leaves of the rosette. However, the peduncle hangs down to the ground, while its lateral branches with tassels are curved upward.

Aloe Baynesa

Aloe Baynesa (Aloe Bainesi), growing in South-East Africa and the Cape region in dense bushes and low forests on the slopes of hills and mountains, is the tallest and largest of all varieties of tree aloe. This is a slender spreading plant that can reach a height of 10-18 m, diameter smooth trunk– 1-2 m, at the tops of the branches there are rosettes of dark green curved leaves 60-90 cm long and clusters of pink flowers. Aloe Bynes is often grown in parks and gardens because of its decorative value.

Aloe ciliata

Some species of eloe are shrubby vines. The most famous of them grows in South Africa and is called aloe ciliata (Aloe ciliaris). This is a plant up to 6 m high with flat linear-lanceolate leaves, a thin branched trunk up to 6 m high, clinging to plants growing nearby.

Aloe spinyleaf and Aloe kniphophyidum

A large group of aloe species consists of herbs with a rosette of leaves located at the roots. They are diverse in their own way appearance. These can be very small plants, reaching a height of 20-50 cm, with narrow, succulent leaves - grass-like aloe, which include aloe spinyleaf (Aloe myriacantha), widespread in southern and tropical Africa, and Aloe kniphophyidum (Aloe iuiiphofioides), which is found in South Africa. Both species grow on rocky places; they are almost invisible until they bloom, as they grow together with other low-grass vegetation.

Aloe cloudy

Aloe cloudy (Aloe nubigena) can often be found in unusual for of this plant places: on damp, moss-covered ledges of rocks, in shady places rich in humus, it is found near waterfalls. It is also a cereal species.

Aloe kniphophyidum has the largest flowers compared to other species of the genus. They are bright red in color and reach a diameter of 5 cm.

Aloe Butnera

Some aloe species have an underground bulb, e.g. Aloe Butner (Aloe Buettneri), which has the largest range of its kind. This species grows throughout almost all of tropical Africa on dry grassy slopes and in shrubby savannas.

Quite large bulbs of Butner's aloe with a diameter of 8-10 cm are storage organs. The leaves are not evergreen, as in most plants of this species - in Butner's aloe they dry out and fall off by winter.

Aloe vera Barbados, or aloe vera

Aloe vera Barbados (Aloe barbadensis) belongs to herbaceous perennials.

The plant, with its broadly lanceolate, bluish-green, almost erect leaves, forms compact rosettes; the peduncle reaches a height of 60-90 cm.

There is no consensus about the homeland of aloe vera; some biologists believe that it is the Cape Verde and Canary Islands, others believe that aloe Barbados originally grew in North-East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

ABOUT medicinal properties aloe vera has been known since ancient times, it was cultivated throughout the Mediterranean, and in many areas it has taken root very well.

The Spaniards brought Aloe Barbados to the American continent; it spread especially widely on the island of Barbados in the West Indies.

It was from there at the end of the 16th century. it ended up in English botanical gardens, and then spread to South China, India, and Southeast Asia.

True, some scientists claim that aloe vera has been familiar to the inhabitants of Southern China, India, and Southeast Asia since time immemorial. Thus, it is believed that it is mentioned as one of the medicinal remedies in the Akkadak texts of ancient Assyro-Babylonia, which existed as early as 2 thousand years BC. e.

If you look back into the depths of centuries, you can see that aloe aroused the interest of many famous historical figures: scientists, healers, doctors, biologists, philosophers - such as Hippocrates and Paracelsus, Avicenna, Carl Linnaeus, Christopher Columbus, Nifertiti and Cleopatra. Aloe was described in the sacred book of the Hindus, in the ancient Egyptian Eber papyrus, in the Bible, and also in the Torah.

Cosmetics made with aloe vera are especially effective as they penetrate the skin 3-4 times faster and 4 times deeper than water.

Now that you have learned what types of aloe there are, familiarize yourself with the rules for growing these plants.

Growing indoor aloe plants at home and caring for the flower (with photo)

Indoor aloe- a light-loving plant, from spring to autumn it can be taken out onto the terrace, but it must be accustomed to the sun gradually so as not to burn the leaves.

In winter, cool conditions are required (8-10 ° C). Tolerates dry room air easily.

The substrate is prepared from turf and leaf soil, humus and sand (2:1:1:1) with the addition of brick chips and charcoal.

Flower growers should know one rather interesting fact: the healing properties of aloe begin to appear after the 3rd year of life (according to some reports, even after the 7th). Therefore, you should not rush to squeeze the juice from the leaves of a still very young flower.

Before growing aloe, you need to create growing conditions and select a flower pot (preferably with a volume of 3 liters or more) and a soil mixture (forest soil, humus and sand at a ratio of 2:1:1). Crushed charcoal or brick is used for drainage.

In good conditions, aloe quickly sprouts, so the emerging young cuttings should be planted in separate containers. The most common problems when growing aloe at home are excess moisture and lack of sunlight (most often in winter time of the year). If you do not loosen the soil, then from above it seems that the plant has absorbed all the moisture, but it always stays inside. In order not to cause rotting of the roots and dampness of the soil, aloe should be watered once a week. The lack of light is indicated by the condition of the leaves: they become sluggish, less juicy, small and thin. The situation can be easily corrected by rearranging home plant aloe on a sunny windowsill.

Watering, like all succulents, is moderate and rare in winter. Fertilize cacti no more than once a month in the summer. Replantation is carried out as necessary (once every 3-5 years). To give the plants shape, when caring for an aloe plant, the top of the growing shoot should be pinched.

The flower has become widespread among lovers of growing indoor plants. Aloe arborescens is perfectly grown in personal plots using a transplant crop adopted in a certain geographical area and climatic zone, as well as as a non-transplant crop at home.

Aloe is a light-loving and heat-loving plant, which must be taken into account when placing it in open ground beds and when growing it indoors. With all this, it was noted that aloe can withstand short-term frosts down to – 1–3 °C.

When growing and caring for aloe in summer, the optimal temperature is 18–25 °C, in winter – 10–14 °C. From late May to mid-August, aloe grown in the room can be placed on the balcony (it is important that the place on the balcony is protected from the wind). And do not forget to regularly spray the bush with a spray bottle. The room in which the plant is located is ventilated from spring, when the air outside becomes warm, until the very end of autumn, of course, if the days are warm and autumn is not rainy.

Young aloe is replanted annually in April-May, plants under 5 years of age - every 2 years, adults - once every 3 years. When preparing soil mixtures, one must remember that a large amount of humus leads to strong growth, which is unnatural for succulent plants.

At the same time, they are loose, “obese”, do not tolerate winter well and get sick easily.

It is necessary to monitor the soil moisture, preventing it from drying out. Shoots appear in about 20-30 days. The strengthened seedlings dive into small 7-centimeter pots. Composition of the soil: 2 parts leaf, 1 part turf and 1 part coarse sand. In the summer, young plants should be placed in greenhouses covered with frames. IN sunny days shade, ventilate and spray 2-3 times a day. Under such conditions, the plants develop quickly, and as the roots entwine the coma, they are transplanted into 9-centimeter pots.

As shown in the photo, indoor aloe plant can be grown in clay or plastic containers:

A clay pot is porous, it “breathes”, and therefore reduces the danger of flooding the plant. But due to the heating of the walls of the clay pot, the roots dry out. The fact is that water from such a pot evaporates through the porous walls, and the roots, “catching up” with the moisture, develop towards the walls of the pot and entwine it. In addition, with strong evaporation, the earth cools.

In plastic pots, the roots of the plant do not dry out, and it can be watered less often. When choosing a pot, remember that the roots should be 2-3 cm from the walls of the pot.

The plant you bought in the store should sit in a peat pot for two weeks so that it has time to adapt to your home and family. If the aloe is in a nutrient substrate, then let it remain that way until spring.

The day before transplanting, the plant is watered, then the pot is turned over, and the earthen ball with roots is carefully removed. A drainage made of expanded clay or broken brick is placed at the bottom of the new pot, and a layer of substrate is placed on top. The aloe is placed in a new pot, the space between the roots and the pot is filled with soil and lightly compacted. To do this, insert a flat wooden stick with a blunt end into the pot and make several circular movements clockwise.

When caring for an indoor aloe flower after replanting, water the plant with a small amount of water, place it in a slightly shaded place (partial shade) and do not water it for three days, since unrooted aloe does not tolerate excess moisture. It is advisable not to move the plant in the first month after transplantation.

Transplant culture involves the propagation and cultivation of planting material in the autumn-winter period in protected ground conditions, on racks in greenhouses, heated verandas, in residential premises, with subsequent planting of plants in the spring-summer period in open ground. In indoor conditions, aloe blooms in February-March; the fruits do not ripen, as a result of which seeds do not form. But even at home, using artificial pollination of flowers, it is possible to obtain seed offspring. To obtain the desired result, it is necessary to allow the seeds to fully ripen in the established boxes.

When growing agave at home, it is necessary to take into account the fact that aloe is a very light-loving plant. Therefore, when placing pots with agave in an apartment, you should place them in the sunniest places. Agave feels good in the fresh air, so you can place pots with the plant under open windows.

In summer, pots of aloe can be taken out onto the balcony, making sure that the plants are protected from strong winds.

Agave needs abundant watering once every few days. 2-3 hours after watering, you need to check the pot tray and drain excess water from it to avoid root rotting. During the winter months, you should reduce the frequency of watering if the air in the apartment is not too dry. Otherwise, the watering regime remains the same as in the summer months, with special attention paid to draining excess water from the tray of the pot.

To feed the plant once a month, use slurry or ready-made mineral fertilizer (half the dose recommended on the package).

Young plants should be replanted every year, adults - once every 2-3 years, if the need arises. Aloe grows best in an earthen mixture prepared from 2 parts turf soil, 1 part humus, 1 part sand and 1 part leaf soil. Finely crushed brick and charcoal must be added to the mixture.

Fresh leaves, keeping in itself beneficial features, can be stored for no more than a day; dried raw materials are stored for about 2 years. Overgrown plants undergo complete removal of the main shoot, the lower leaves are removed from it for raw materials, and its upper part, called the crown, is left for rooting. This type of seedling is of very high quality; it produces more powerful and productive plants that can even bloom in the year of planting. For 1 m2 it is quite possible to obtain more than 2 kg of fresh leaves; this amount of raw material may well be enough to meet the needs of each family for this valuable medicinal plant.

The most common mistakes when growing aloe (agagave) at home:

1. excess moisture. If watering is too frequent, the roots of the plant begin to rot, and sooner or later it dies;
2. lack of sunlight, which often happens in winter. In such cases, the agave stems stretch out without filling with juice, the leaves become smaller, and sit less often on the stem;
3. incorrectly selected soil. Heavy is not suitable for the plant. clay soil, since it drains poorly, there is no aeration in it, and moisture does not evaporate well enough from it. When replanting aloe, do not add peat to the soil mixture, despite the fact that it is included in almost all soil mixtures;
4. improper cutting of leaves, i.e., a cut of agave leaves that have not reached 15 cm in length. Only leaves that have reached this length have medicinal properties when it comes to indoor aloe. At the same time, it is best to cut off the leaves in the winter-spring period, because in the summer the agave actively accumulates sap, so that by winter all the active components are already collected in the plant. Only the fresh pulp of the plant and its juice have medicinal properties.

If it turns out that you overdid it with watering or left the plant in the care of a neighbor who is not very well versed in the intricacies of watering aloe, and the result is obvious - the plant died, all the roots rotted, you think that all that’s left to do is throw it away. Do not hurry. Perhaps he can still be saved. It is necessary to remove all the lower leaves so that a small cutting and healthy leaves remain. Place the cutting in a cup of water to which you can add cactus and succulent fertilizer. When roots appear, dry and replant in the ground.

Methods for propagating aloe flowers: growing from seeds and cuttings

The most popular methods of propagating aloe are by seeds and careful division of young plants.

When growing aloe from seeds, sowing is done in March in boxes filled with humus soil in half with greenhouse soil and a small admixture of sand. The sown seeds are pressed down tightly, watered, then covered with a 0.5 cm layer of sand and placed in a warm place with a temperature of 20-25°; at lower temperatures the earth becomes moldy and sour. To propagate an aloe flower, the soil is taken with the following composition: leafy soil - 1 part, light turf - 1/2 part, sand - 1 part. Grown seedlings are planted in pots one at a time in the same soil mixture with the addition of broken bricks and charcoal. Next year, in the spring, the plants need transshipment. When propagated by seeds, young plants acquire decorative look in 2 years.

Aloe is propagated by cuttings mainly in spring. The shoots are cut into pieces 10–12 cm long, dried for 24 hours, and the cut areas are sprinkled with charcoal powder. Planting is done in sand.

The cuttings are not sprayed and watered occasionally, so as not to create excess moisture in the substrate (rotting is possible), and they are not shaded. When roots appear, watering is increased and they are planted in the same soil mixture as for seedlings. After a year, it is advisable to carry out transshipment.

It is also possible to grow aloe using the tip of the shoot and shoots that form at the base of the shoots. Care is the same as for cuttings.

Reproduction of aloe at home by children (with video)

Agave reproduces well not only by seeds, but also by vegetative means. The meaning of this method is to root the children that develop directly on the main shoots of adult plants; preference is given to children whose size is at least 3 cm. In southern latitudes, they take root well in August-September in greenhouses. In indoor and greenhouse conditions, an adult plant can form from 5 to 30 side shoots. To grow high-quality seedlings, it is not necessary to have a large amount of land: per 1 m2 it is quite possible to place 300–400 children, the size of which can range from 3 to 5 cm. To obtain the best result when rooting seedlings, you must first wither the cut children before planting in warm room. To carry out this manipulation, it is necessary that the children are in an inverted state, that is, with their cut ends up.

The video “Propagation of aloe at home” shows how to grow agave:

To propagate aloe by children, a planting substrate is prepared: a mixture of fertile soil, humus and sand in a ratio of 3:1:0.5. This substrate is loaded into pots, boxes, greenhouses, and onto greenhouse shelves. The loading layer should be about 22–25 cm. Then it is leveled and the children are planted. Under the planting substrate you need to lay gravel or sand drainage. After planting the plant, it is necessary to water it during the rooting period, the duration of which depends on the temperature regime (on average 25–30 days). It is also necessary to maintain moderate moisture in the top layer of the substrate. A year later, aloe seedlings are planted in protected or open ground. 10–15 days before planting seedlings, the ridges must be filled with organomineral fertilizers at the rate of 6–8 kg/m2 of rotted manure and 50 g/m2 of granulated superphosphate; nitrogen fertilizers applied 4–5 times during the growing season in the form of fertilizing at a dose of 5 g/m2.

Under forced culture conditions in a protected and open ground optimal area nutrition for grown seedlings 20x25 cm (20 plants per 1 m2). In the first two months, called the establishment period, the plant needs frequent but moderate watering every 4–5 days, then the watering regime is formed at long intervals. To achieve a high-quality result, it is necessary to systematically carry out weeding in the rows and loosening between the rows.

From well-developed mother plants in the autumn (from late October to mid-November), a harvest of raw materials is harvested - the lower succulent leaves and middle ones, reaching 18 cm in length, as well as children to continue the reproduction of aloe.

Two periods are optimal for propagating agave: mid-spring or late summer. To do this, it is necessary to cut off the root shoots, stem or apical cuttings aloe 10–12 cm long and keep them for at least a day in the open air. During this time, the wound dries out, which can be sprinkled with crushed coal, and the shoot is ready for planting. Having prepared a container with wet sand, plant the agave shoots to a depth of about 1 cm. The distance between the shoots should be 3–5 cm. After planting, the shoots should not be watered often, otherwise they may rot. Watering aloe more frequently after the shoots take root. Until roots form, you can keep the shoots in a small container of water. After this, they should be transplanted into a small pot.

Many of us have aloe at home - beautiful plant, pleasing to the eye and, moreover, beneficial. Aloe is rich in vitamins, essential oils, amino acids, and is widely used in cosmetology and folk medicine. This flower is absolutely unpretentious, but if you want to grow not just aloe, but a chic and healthy plant, then it will be useful for you to learn about how to care for aloe. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the basic rules and tips for growing agave.

Aloe: home care

Watering

First, about one of the most important questions: how to water aloe correctly? Aloe requires the most abundant watering during its growth period in spring and summer. The plant should be watered as the soil dries out (about 1-2 times a week). During the dormant period (from October to March), it is enough to water the agave once every two months. The best water for watering - settled and a little warmer room temperature. Watering should be done so that all the soil in the pot is evenly wetted - both the roots will receive water and the upper layers of the aloe will be moistened.

Soil and fertilizers

The soil for aloe must be selected specially, suitable specifically for this plant. For agave, a potting mix with gravel, sand and pumice or a cactus mix is ​​suitable.

In spring you can add a small amount of fertilizer. Fertilizers suitable are those intended for cacti and succulents; feed the plant with them during active growth once every two weeks. Peat and fertilizers containing it should not be added to the soil for agave.

Temperature and light

This plant loves a lot of light and warmth, so it is better to place it on windowsills on the south side, but make sure that the flower is not overheated by the scorching rays of the sun. If the aloe begins to wither and wither, it will need to be placed in a slightly less sunny place. Aloe also loves air, so in summer, in good weather, this flower can be taken out to the balcony. If you provide enough heat and light for aloe, it will delight you with its flowering.

The best temperature for aloe in summer is +22-26°C, and in winter +12°C-14°C, but with a strong drop in temperature it is better not to risk it. Try to support optimal temperature. If the aloe overwintered at low temperatures and with little light, then in the summer you need to be careful about adding light and heat to the plant to avoid burns.

Transplantation and propagation

It is necessary to transplant aloe, both young and old. Young plant need to be replanted once a year, the old one – once every three years. A plant up to five years old is considered young, and older is considered to be more than this age.

As for propagation, aloe reproduces well by seeds, leaf and stem cuttings, and by dividing the tuber. If you choose cuttings, remember that before planting the cuttings, it must be well dried for several days. It is best to propagate the plant in the spring.

Possible problems

Problems can arise due to improper care of aloe. One of the most common is excessive soil moisture in winter. This is evidenced by pale and withered leaves of the plant, as well as rotten roots and the base of the stem. You can try to fix this in two ways. First, try placing the aloe in a warm, bright place. If the plant's condition does not improve after a while, dig up the flower and carefully examine its roots. Trim off any dark or rotten roots from the aloe, and then plant the plant in new soil and a new pot. If the roots are completely damaged, you can use the top of the plant or its cuttings and root them.

Pale leaves are a result of lack of light, provide better lighting aloe. If the leaves suddenly begin to fall off significantly, then the problem may be in too cold water for irrigation. If the aloe grows too long, then it receives a lot of water in winter and little light in summer, both problems need to be corrected.

Among the pests, this plant can be attacked by scale insects and false scale insects. It’s easy to get rid of them - you need to wipe the aloe leaves with a damp cloth soaked in alcohol or water, thereby removing the pests, and then spray the flower with a systemic insecticide suitable for succulents. If red spiders appear, then the aloe first needs to be thoroughly ventilated.

How to grow aloe beautiful and healthy? You just need to follow all the few rules for caring for it that we described above, and the flower will grow to your delight!

The aloe plant is not an ordinary plant, it will not attract attention with its stunning blooms, and will not decorate your home like many other flowers, but it will bring with it a touch of exoticism. Also very interesting is the little-known fact that it came to us from the distant island of Madagascar.

Aloe is primarily known for its unusual medicinal properties. Who among us has not applied its leaf to the wound? But many people don’t even know about many other uses.

The plant itself is popular not only because of its medicinal properties, but is also famous for its unpretentiousness and it will not be difficult for most to acquire and raise a home healer. Read on to learn how to care for it, how it can be applied, and much more.

Description of Aloe

IN natural conditions aloe is common in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the countries of the Middle East and South America, and Madagascar. The plant is tropical, which explains its insatiable craving for sunlight and its ability to survive any drought.

In nature, aloe is a perennial herbaceous, shrub or tree plants, reaching a height of 10-15 meters. The leaves of most representatives of the species are fleshy, have an elongated shape, smooth or with spikes along the edge, and are arranged in a spiral. Many types of aloe produce numerous shoots in the lower part, forming large lush bushes.

Only a few types of aloe have become widespread for growing at home.

Kinds

Aloe spinosa - forms a large basal rosette. The leaves are fleshy, with white speckles, framed by white teeth - thorns. One of the cutest views.

• Aloe variegated is a small (about 30 cm) plant with dark green triangular leaves arranged in a spiral. Each leaf is decorated with transverse white stripes; there are no thorns.
• Aloe intimidating or aloe terrible is a powerful plant, at home it reaches 45 cm in height, in nature it grows up to 2 m. It has a frightening appearance due to the sharp reddish-brown thorns bordering the fleshy grayish-green leaves.
• Aloe vera or aloe vera is the most common type, which not only has many beneficial properties, but is also decorative. Aloe vera leaves form lush, dense rosettes and have a grayish-green tint.

Aloe tree - this particular type of aloe is called “agagave”. This member of the aloe family is most often found in our homes. The plant reaches 50-70 cm in height, the leaves are about 30 cm long, velvety with soft thorns along the edges. With proper care, aloe vera can live in your home for 20 years or more. The leaves of aloe vera, like aloe vera, have medicinal properties and it is for this purpose that the plant is grown in most homes.

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Main types of aloe

Biologists count more than three hundred varieties of aloe. How houseplants Six species of this prickly beauty are most often found on window sills.

Aloe arborescens

The most popular plant in our homes. This species also has another name - agave. This is also often called agave, recording it as a relative of aloe, although this is far from true. This species has the largest mass of greenery and tall growth - it reaches a meter height quite easily.

Aloe real

This particular species is called Aloe Vera - words that everyone has heard thanks to advertised detergents and cosmetics. Unlike tree aloe, real aloe grows in rosettes and does not have a pronounced trunk.

Aloe soap

It is very valuable in the eyes of lovers of indoor flora, as it is blooming view plants. But even without the flower itself, soap aloe can boast of its attractiveness. It has a wonderful rosette of wide leaves located on a small, strong stem.

Aloe variegated

The plant is very beautiful, it is also called tiger because of the stripes on the leaves. In addition, it is also flowering. People who are far from floriculture are often surprised to learn that this unusual indoor handsome man– also aloe.

Aloe awesome

Judging by the name, a terrible monster should appear before us, but the plant is cute. The most “scary” thing about it is the thorns located along the edges of large leaves. So they look a little predatory, reminiscent of the “teeth” of a Venus flytrap.

Aloe miniature

This is the name given to several varieties of aloe (squat, spiral), but they are combined into one group only because of their small size.

By the way, homemade aloe has close relative- These are Haworthia and Gasteria. They are very similar in appearance, and they need to be looked after in the same way as our prickly beauty.

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Placement of the flower indoors. Lighting

Both in the natural environment and in artificial conditions, aloe loves sunlight. The succulent feels great on the window sills facing:

• southwest;
• southeast;
• west;
• East.

Northern windows are not very suitable for growing aloe, since they will have to create additional lighting for the flower. On southern windows, you should also be attentive to aloe: the succulent loves sunlight, but on hot days the plant will need shading.

You should be especially careful in the spring months, when the plant is just emerging from winter dormancy and is gradually getting used to bright sunlight. Excessive sun can damage your succulent.

In summer, many plant growers recommend placing aloe on a balcony, loggia, or even in the garden. Growing in the fresh air during the summer months will not only not harm the plant, but, on the contrary, will strengthen it. After being exposed to air, the plant will become stronger and harden.

In combination with the correct location of the succulent, it is very important to maintain the correct temperature limits for its harmonious development.

Temperature

Under natural conditions, aloe is a 100% resident of the tropics. Accordingly, this plant is not accustomed to cold weather. You will have to adhere to this rule if you want to grow a healthy succulent at home.

The optimal temperature for growing aloe in the autumn-winter months is not lower than +12 degrees. Between October and February the plant is dormant. Therefore, a low temperature in combination with moderate watering and lighting that is rather poor for the succulent will help the plant to comfortably overwinter.

Suitable temperature for growing succulent in summer time- at least +25 degrees. The plant grower should remember that, despite the fact that the plant loves light and in natural conditions is accustomed to its abundance, sometimes there may be too much sunlight. The succulent reacts to this in a very specific way - the leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow. This moment should be clearly controlled and the plant should be immediately moved to another, more shaded place.

Important! Like many other house plants, aloe has a negative attitude towards hypothermia and drafts. If the conditions for growing a succulent are more than acceptable, first of all, for the plant itself, then aloe will certainly please the grower with its excellent growth.

Watering

The watering regime for aloe is similar to other indoor flowers and does not require special efforts from the grower.

Seasonal aloe watering schedule:

• In summer, the plant should be watered 2 times a week.
• In winter, it is enough to irrigate the succulent only 1-2 times a month.

Remember! The succulent is not too demanding on conditions home grown. Aloe can easily survive drought, but within reasonable limits. Do not overdo it with soil irrigation, root system plants may rot.

Water requirements for watering aloe:

• The water temperature should not be lower than +18+21 degrees. Aloe does not tolerate cold watering.
• The water must be settled. Do not water the plant with tap water. We didn’t manage to defend the water in time - no problem! You can water the succulent with boiled (cooled) or distilled water.
• We should not forget about regularly cleaning aloe leaves from dust and dirt. This will interfere with natural photosynthesis, and as a result, normal development plants. You can clean the leaves with a regular cloth soaked in plain water or a non-abrasive sponge.

Important! Stagnation of water can destroy agave. Don't let the soil get too wet, and your plant will reward you with excellent growth and even possible flowering.

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Air humidity

Aloe is absolutely indifferent to air humidity and does not particularly need special spraying. But if in hot weather you give him a shower from a spray bottle, it will do him good. Only when spraying, avoid moisture accumulation in the outlet.

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Top dressing

For the growth and full development of the aloe plant, it is basically enough nutrients in the ground, however, to obtain the most developed and nutrient-rich plant, it should be fertilized periodically. For this purpose, special fertilizers for succulent plants are used, which are available in liquid and solid form.

If you know how to properly care for aloe at home, then this unpretentious plant can live on your windowsill for decades without any problems.

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Aloe pruning

A healthy aloe often exhibits vigorous growth with the formation of new leaves, flowers and even young shoots. For this reason, such plants require regular attention. While aloe requires more delicate pruning than other plants, following some pruning rules will help you protect the plant. By promptly removing damaged parts of aloe and excess shoots, you will ensure healthy growth for your plant and even make it a real decoration of the room.

Trimming the visible above-ground part of aloe

1. Take the cutting tool. You will need something that can be used to carefully cut through the leaves, stems and roots of the aloe, such as a regular kitchen knife. You can also use regular scissors to trim the plant, but if the aloe has already grown large and powerful, you may need garden pruning shears.
2. Trim damaged leaves. First of all, pay attention to the unhealthy leaves of the plant. If necessary, carefully pull apart the aloe leaves and stems to reach dead, drying or brown leaves plants. Diseased leaves with severely discolored leaves can also be removed. Trim all of these leaves with a knife or scissors directly at the stem.
   • Pests and diseases from diseased leaves can move to healthy parts of the plant, so such leaves should be removed.
   • The causes of leaf dying may be poor lighting, insufficient or excessive watering.
3. Trim overgrown leaves. Using a knife or pruning shears, cut off old leaves that are healthy enough to bring the plant to the size of its container. Bring the cutting tool close to the stem and carefully cut off overgrown leaves. These leaves are the oldest, so they contain the most aloe vera gel.
   • Aloe vera gel has quite a variety of healing properties. If you decide to use cut leaves for medicinal purposes, remove the prickly sides and store them in the refrigerator until the gel is extracted from them.
   • Avoid trimming the leaves that are closest to the main stem. These leaves are still young and are needed to replace older leaves.
4. Remove old stems and flowers. Trim the aloe stems in the same manner as the leaves. In flowering aloe, the seeds ripen and fall off quite quickly. While the flowers die, they continue to draw nutrients from the plant that could be used to grow new, healthy leaves. But since aloe blooms extremely rarely at home, most likely you will not have to trim the flowers.
   • Wilted aloe flowers attract insects, often fall directly into the pot, absorb moisture from the soil and generally create a mess.

Trimming the ground part of the plant

1. Remove the shoots. Suckers, also called suckers, are the side shoots of the plant. They draw juices from the main plant and clutter the pot. In most cases, aloe side shoots can be pulled out of the ground without any harm to the main bush. After this, you only need to cut the connecting link between the plant and the baby.
   • Some children may hide in the ground and intertwine their roots with the roots of the main plant. In this situation, you may need to remove the plant from the pot, carefully shake off the earthen ball and untangle the roots.
   • Babies are new young aloe vera plants that can be planted in individual pots and also grown. In addition, these young shoots can then be distributed to friends as gifts.
2. Remove the plant from the pot. Hold the main stem of the aloe and tilt the pot to one side. The plant should come out of the pot when you pull it a little. If it doesn't budge, try squeezing the pot or tapping it on a hard surface. Next, go after those aloe side shoots that you just couldn't see before.
3. Trim the roots. When transplanting the plant into a new pot, you will need to trim the aloe roots. First, shake off the soil from the roots. Shorten the main long root and trim off some side roots. The amount of pruning should be sufficient so that the remaining roots occupy about 2/3 of the new pot. This will allow the aloe vera to transplant more easily and grow a stronger root system in fresh soil. Water the plant moderately until it fully adapts after transplanting.
   • Look out for root rot. Any damaged areas of roots should be cut off. Be careful not to accidentally damage healthy roots. Treat the cut areas with sulfur or charcoal powder (if you have such an opportunity).

Transplanting an adult aloe

Transplanting a perennial at home is a simple process, the main thing is to do it correctly. A newly purchased flower should be replanted no earlier than after 3 weeks. During this time, the plant adapts to new conditions. During this period of time, it is better to display the flower separately from other indoor flowers.

• Aloe is a slow growing plant.
• It is correct to replant a succulent that has been growing at home for several years after the roots have completely filled the pot.
• Transplantation is carried out into a container 2-3 cm larger than the previous one and only by transshipment.
• If there are few roots, then the flower simply replaces part of the old soil with new one.
• A sudden change in soil type can lead to undesirable consequences - flower disease.
• In this case, the plant will undergo adaptation for quite a long time.

• 24 hours before transplanting, water the flower abundantly.
• After complete absorption of water, the soil must be loosened so as not to damage the roots.
• The new pot is filled to approximately one-fifth with a drainage layer of expanded clay or crushed pieces of brick.
• The drainage is sprinkled with prepared soil mixture on top.
• The pot with the flower is carefully turned over, taking out the plant along with the earthen lump.

Old soil, not entwined with roots, is removed with a stick. Then the plant is correctly placed in a new pot so that the root collar is a couple of centimeters below the top of the container. After planting, the soil is lightly trampled, topped up and watered.

Important! After transplanting, the flower is placed in a shaded place for several days and is not watered. Excess moisture for aloe vera can cause root rot. It is not recommended to immediately water a plant that has not yet had time to take root and become stronger.
You can see more information on how to transplant aloe vera at home correctly in the video. Optimize your pet's care, and he will delight you with a healthy appearance and full growth.

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Aloe propagation

The vitality and endurance of aloe is fully reflected in the variety of ways in which it can be propagated. At home, most often, offspring from an adult plant are obtained using:

• cuttings, that is, separation and rooting of side shoots;
• the top of a bush or one of its adult shoots;
• leaf;
• daughter rosettes formed at the base of an adult bush;
• seeds.

One of the simplest and most guaranteed successful ways to propagate aloe is by rooting cuttings. The side shoots that appear in the axils of adult leaves can be cut all year round. They easily take root and acclimatize after transplantation.

Such “stepchildren” are cut off at the very base, and the cut is treated with coal powder. And then they are not planted in the substrate or placed in water, but dried for 2–4 days at room temperature in a dark place. Only after such preparation are the cuttings ready for rooting. The same manipulations are carried out before planting aloe without a root, for example, after it has rotted or the bush has failed to divide.

• Cuttings easily take root both in damp sand or vermiculite, and in ordinary water.
• When rooting in the substrate, future plants can be buried in drops at a distance of about 5 cm from each other.
• The stem is not buried more than 1 cm. If the cuttings are kept in a humid, warm environment, within a week powerful root primordia will appear on the seedlings, and the aloe can be transplanted into separate pots.

Daughter processes

At home aloe without visible problems reproduces by daughter rosettes appearing at the very base of the adult flower. How to plant an aloe shoot? Young rosettes have their own root system, so they are freely separated from an adult bush during spring transplantation or in summer.

• Over several years of growth at home, aloe can reach almost a meter in height. At the same time, its stem is significantly exposed, and the leaves remain only at the top.
• You should not part with such aloe. It can be rejuvenated by cutting off the top and planting it in a separate pot. To do this, cut off the upper part of the stem with 6–7 mature leaves.
• But how to replant aloe without roots? To root such planting material, the top is dried and placed in water. After a few days, roots will appear on the plant, and in the future the seedling can be easily transplanted into a separate pot.

Small plants also form at the base of the leaf, torn from the lower tiers of the stem. Before propagating aloe leaves at home, it, like the cuttings, is dried, and then, after treatment with charcoal, the planting material is immersed in water or sandy soil. In this case, it is extremely important to maintain moisture in the substrate, otherwise the sheet will dry out quickly.

Seeds

Propagation of aloe by seeds is the longest and most labor-intensive method. Sowing is carried out at the end of winter in a light, loose substrate based on sand and garden soil. At room temperature and high air humidity, the seeds hatch fairly quickly and grow until a pair of true leaves appear on them. At this time, the aloe plants are planted, transplanting the sprouts into small separate pots. After just a year, caring for aloe at home is carried out as usual.

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Agave diseases

If growing conditions are violated, aloe develops pronounced symptoms that indicate one or another disease. Possible problems are listed below.

• Curling of leaves. If the leaves curl, then they do not have enough care. The leaves should be regularly wiped with a damp cloth to remove settled dust.
• The leaves are turning yellow. Excess moisture has an adverse effect on aloe. If the leaves turn yellow and soften, then you need to moderate watering. The water should only be settled and warm.
• Why do aloe leaf tips dry out? The tips of the leaves dry out if the plant has not been replanted for a long time. The roots do not have enough space in the pot and the plant does not receive nutrients. Aloe needs to be replanted.

In order to be able to remove the plant from the container, you need to stop watering for 3 days.
The new pot should be larger and more spacious, taking into account the direction of root growth:

• if the roots grew in length, the dishes should be deeper;
  if the roots go wide, then you need a pot with a larger diameter.

Root rotting. Root rot. With excess watering and low temperature air, root rot may occur. Agave can be saved only at the initial stage of this disease.

If growth is delayed, the stem dries out, and watering does not correct the situation, then you need to inspect the roots.

If rotten areas are found on the roots, they are removed, the remaining intact roots are sprinkled with coal or sulfur and the flower is transplanted into soil with a high sand content. Water only after three weeks.
If the roots have rotted completely, then aloe can be cut using a healthy top.
Dry rot. This process does not manifest itself externally; the plant dries out from the inside, so timely diagnosis is almost impossible. The only measure is prevention, which consists of spraying with antifungal drugs.

Aloe doesn't grow. Important terms good growth aloe are:

• special soil for succulents or cacti;
• adding brick chips and charcoal to the soil;
• fertilizing with complex mineral fertilizer 2 times a month, which should be carried out from mid-spring to early autumn;
• absence of pests that significantly inhibit the growth of aloe.

Pests

Once you examine the aloe, you can find uninvited guests on it. When infested by pests, the first step is to isolate the plant, as its “neighbors” may become infected.

There are different pests of aloe: mealybugs, nematodes, thrips. Correctly identifying the type of pest will help successfully combat the disease.

Mealybug
Mealybugs can be seen with the naked eye. These are mobile insects 2-5 millimeters in size, covered with white hairs on top. They leave behind a waxy, cotton-like discharge.

Signs of defeat: the plant is covered with pieces of “cotton wool”, growth slows down.

If there are few insects, then the damaged areas should be treated with garlic tincture in alcohol, and then the plant should be hidden from light for several hours.

If the entire plant is infected, you need to use special preparations - insecticides, for example, Intavir, Decis, Fufanon.

Nematodes
These insects come in different types and infect either the trunk or leaves. Root nematodes more insidious than other aloe pests, since their presence can only be determined by the roots.

Signs of defeat: growth slows down; after examination, nematodes in the form of small grains are found on the roots.

Treatment is difficult. Damaged roots are removed and the plant is re-rooted. Then they are treated with Vidat and Tekta.

Thrips are small winged pests measuring 1-2 mm in size. At elevated temperature and high humidity they spread quickly.

Signs of defeat: growth slows down, silvery streaks appear, which are left behind by thrips.

Treatment is carried out by spraying with the preparations “Intavir”, “Fitoverm”, “Decis”. However, the fight against these pests is complicated by the fact that they have developed immunity to basic drugs. It is recommended to add soil spillage with Confidor.

Spider mite
Spider mites are not so easy to see on aloe, because their size does not exceed one millimeter.

Signs of damage: cobwebs on the leaves, change in color of the stem. The stem at the initial stage acquires yellow, and later - red.

All previous means of control are not valid against such a pest, because it is an arachnid. It is necessary to use special preparations - acaricides. At the same time, you can additionally spray the plant with garlic tincture. This will enhance the healing effect.

Pest Control and Prevention

One week after the first treatment, the second is performed. Within a week, new larvae will hatch from the eggs and need to be destroyed.
The place where the flower pot stood is cleaned well.

Prevention consists of regular inspections of the plant and keeping the plants clean. You need to carefully monitor factors such as:

• sufficient lighting (in winter - supplement with artificial light);
• warm temperature (in winter – not lower than 12 degrees Celsius);
• special soil composition;
• moderate watering;
• regular feeding in spring and summer;
• watering only with settled water at room temperature;
• replanting aloe every three years;
• transplanting into a convenient pot, taking into account the growth of the root system;
• avoiding drafts and accidental hypothermia;
• fresh air flow in hot summer conditions.

Prevention of aloe diseases should be carried out regularly, then the risk of damage will be less.

The earlier the disease is detected and the fight against it begins, the more effective the measures taken to save aloe will be.

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Features of planting and caring for various types of Aloe at home

Almost all of the described care rules apply to various types of African succulents, but there are still minor differences.

Treelike

The famous agave differs from its fellows by its special stature and tall stature. Most often, the bush breaks under the weight of the crown, so it needs to be tied to a support. Exotic loves fresh air, but is afraid of drafts. Despite such interesting name, each individual lives no more than 20 years.

This species requires periodic pruning as it quickly grows shoots. In just 3 years, the bush can stretch to a height of up to one and a half meters. Control the pace of development as you wish. Vegetative propagation using apical cuttings of lateral shoots. All parts of the bush are used for medicinal purposes.

Important! If an agave decides to please you with bright flowers, hurry to remove it away from permanent place human stay. Strong aroma buds causes headaches.

Mix

A mix is ​​not a variety at all, but a mixture of different seeds. Accordingly, you will have to make a lot of effort to get the desired variety of varieties. Before purchasing seeds, pay attention to the collection date.

Seed material loses its germination very quickly, so only fresh seeds are needed. Before planting, they are soaked for a day in a damp cloth; a growth stimulator can be added to the water.

In order for the seedlings to develop better, it is better to immediately place the seeds in separate pots. Growing conditions are described just above, in the section on reproduction. As development progresses, periodic transplants are carried out. The Mix mixture will allow you to grow several different varieties at once.

Acute

Spinous aloe is undemanding to the composition of the substrate. Garden soil mixed with sand is suitable. The green pet often blooms at home, provided there is good lighting. Watering is carried out only with warm, settled water, otherwise the bush may lose its leaves. Propagated by children, does not require pruning.

Motley

The luxurious perennial stands out for its unusual coloring and has healing properties. Due to the rapid development of a powerful root system, it necessarily requires systematic replanting. To maintain a decorative appearance, you can use fertilizers for succulents or a vegetable decoction or ash infusion. Reproduces by children and apical offspring.

Know! This variety is resistant to putrefactive diseases.

Aloe vera

Unlike his brothers, the green doctor prefers to bask in direct sunlight. Due to the slow growth rate, it does not require too frequent replanting; it is fertilized only 6 months after replanting. Be sure to observe moderate watering, a period of rest, and good lighting. Do not spray the green ward and protect it from drafts.

Flowering plant

In the wild, the tropical guest regularly blooms, releasing a long peduncle from the center of the rosette. You can observe flowering every year with the arrival of spring or summer, and some bushes bloom twice a year.

The spike-shaped inflorescence contains large tubular or bell-shaped flowers with a diameter of about 1 cm and a length of up to 5 cm. The buds look impressive and contain a lot of nectar. The color of the petals is dominated by warm tones - yellow, orange, pink, scarlet. Specimens with white corollas are extremely rare.

At home, you will have to wait for such a spectacle for more than ten years, and flowering will occur only under favorable conditions. Indoor specimens do not bear seeds, the peduncle is much shorter, and the flowers are smaller. After the corollas wither, the shoot should be removed.

Problems of growing plants with improper care

Most problems with the health of exotics or loss of decorativeness are associated with violation of growing rules.
With frequent or abundant irrigation, the tropical guest faces death from rot in the root system and the lower part of the stem. At the same time, the foliage softens and the stems droop. In this situation, it is practically impossible to save the outlet.

The only effective way is to root the crown and then plant it in a new pot. This problem can be prevented by maintaining a more than moderate watering regime. Before irrigating, wait until the earthen ball dries thoroughly.

Lack of water

The lack of moisture affects desert dwellers only 2-3 months after the last watering. It is extremely rare for a bush to wither, but this option is also possible. If you notice wrinkled and flabby plates, be sure to water your green ward.

Lack of light is contraindicated for an exotic guest. If you see thinning foliage and sparseness of the crown, then you need to take care of additional lighting sources.

Advice! Cold glow lamps can be used as an additional light source.

The last problem that a gardener may encounter is stunted growth. It is enough to increase the feeding area of ​​the bush by transplanting it into a new pot. Be sure to renew the soil.

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Medicinal properties of aloe

Each therapeutic effect of a plant is determined by a group of beneficial substances contained in aloe.

• Antibacterial, incl. against staphylococci, streptococci, typhoid, intestinal, diphtheria and dysentery bacilli, antiviral and antifungal - due to acemannan, aleolitic, phenylacrylic, chrysophanic and cinnamic acids, vitamin C;
• Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic – salicylic acid, bradykininase enzyme, steroid molecules;
• Antitoxic – acemannan, aloin (a substance from anthraquinone derivatives), phenolic components, catalase enzyme;
• Antioxidant - manganese, copper, vitamins C and E, anthraquinone and phenol molecules;
• Choleretic – zinc, selenium and inositol components;
• Calming – magnesium, manganese, B vitamins;
• Laxative – anthraquinone and phenolic group substances;
• Pain reliever – salicylic acid, bradykininase enzyme;
• Antihyperglycemic - two fractions of acemannan - Erboran A and B;
• Antiallergenic – bradykininase enzyme;
• Anticancer – aloemodin, which is an anthraquinone molecule, acemannan, antioxidant vitamins and minerals;
• Wound healing, incl. in relation to sluggish, long-term processes - vitamin C, the enzyme bradykininase;
• Regenerating – vitamin C, catalase enzyme, anthraquinone;
• Immunomodulatory - due to polysaccharides, magnesium, and the enzyme bradykininase.

The plant enhances the secretory activity of the digestive glands (chrysic acid, sodium), normalizes metabolic processes, has a tonic, nourishing, rejuvenating and moisturizing effect on the skin by activating the growth of fibroblasts, relieves itching and irritation.

Promotes regeneration of skin damage without scarring. Reduces blood cholesterol levels and promotes the breakdown of cholesterol plaques. Eliminates inflammation in the biliary tract, normalizes the function of the gallbladder.

The use of various dosage forms of aloe

Fresh Juice

• Chronic gastritis with low acidity, tendency to constipation, colitis, biliary tract diseases, stimulation of digestion and appetite. It is also prescribed for prolonged cough. Take three times a day. 1 tsp each before meals.
• Tuberculosis. Take three times a day. 1 tsp each before meals.
• A wide range of diseases of the skin and mucous membranes: wounds, burns, cracks, lupus, trophic ulcers, radiation damage to the skin, eczema, epithelioma, herpetic rashes, psoriasis. Also helps with acne. Apply juice to pathological elements 5-6 times a day.
• Used for joints in inflammatory diseases for rubbing.
• Inflammation of the nasopharynx and gums, ulcerative stomatitis. Lubricating damage with juice, irrigation or turunda with juice.
• Cervical erosion, vaginal candidiasis. Tampons soaked with juice are inserted into the vagina overnight for 2 weeks.
• Acute rhinitis. 2-5 drops in each nostril 4-5 times a day.
• Improves the body's defenses against infectious agents - 1 tsp. morning and evening, before meals.

Sabur – evaporated juice

• Constipation is atonic and chronic.
• Stimulates digestion.
• Choleretic effect.

Take diluted, 0.03–0.1 g per dose once a day.

Syrup

• Gastrointestinal diseases of acute and chronic course.
• Posthemorrhagic and hypochromic anemia (in combination with iron).
• Helps with intoxication, after long-term illnesses to restore the body. Recommended for asthenic conditions.

Prescribe 1 tsp. twice or thrice a day, half an hour after meals.

Aloe extract liquid in ampoules

• Eye diseases: blepharitis, conjunctivitis, iritis, progressive myopia, etc.
• Chronic gastritis, enterocolitis, peptic ulcer and duodenum.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Inflammatory gynecological diseases.
• General diseases with a long, chronic course (chronic arthritis, scleroderma, epilepsy, etc.).

Intended for subcutaneous administration in a course of 25-50 injections of 1 ml (adults) and 0.5 ml (children over 5 years old) once a day. If necessary, injections are prescribed in a repeated course.

Aloe extract according to Fedorov, eye drops, dietary supplement

• Farsightedness and myopia;
• Dry eye syndrome;
• "Night blindness";
• Myopic chorioretinitis;
• Diabetic retinopathy;
• Blepharitis;
• Cataract.

Prescribe 1 drop 2-5 times a day, into each conjunctival sac.

Aloe liniment

Prevention and treatment of skin lesions during radiation therapy. Apply to the affected skin 2-3 times a day, cover with a sterile napkin.

Traditional medicine recipes

Improved digestion, appetite, recovery after long-term illnesses

Mix 250 grams of honey with 150 grams of aloe juice, add 350 grams of good fortified red wine. Leave for 5 days. Take 1 tablespoon before meals, 4 times a day for 14 days.

Gastrointestinal diseases

In a ceramic container mix: 15 grams of aloe juice, 100 grams of liquid honey, 100 grams of liquid goose fat, 100 grams of cocoa. 1 tbsp. per appointment, dissolved in 200 ml of hot milk, between meals.

Tuberculosis

4 stems of aloe, aged for 10 days, chop and mix with 1 bottle of red wine or 1 liter of alcohol, leave for 4 days. Take 100 ml (wine) or 40 drops (alcohol) three times a day.

Oncological diseases

Aloe preparations are recommended for a short course, up to 30 days maximum. Fresh formulations should be prepared and stored for no more than 5 days in the refrigerator (during long-term storage, ready-made aloe preparations lose their healing powers). Use aloe with honey High Quality. Dilute honey with aloe juice at a ratio of 1:5. Take 1 tsp. three times a day. before meals. The same mixture can be lubricated on the skin before a radiation therapy session.

Infectious and allergic rhinitis, incl. for runny nose in children

Squeeze the juice from the leaf and strain. Clear the nasal passages of mucous contents and then instill 1-3 drops into each nostril after 3-4 hours. A similar method is used for sinusitis, only 5-6 drops of juice are instilled.

Inflammatory diseases of the throat (pharyngitis, laryngitis, sore throat)

Mix juice and warm boiled water 1:1. Gargle with the mixture 3-5 times a day. After the procedure, drink warm milk with 1 tsp. aloe juice

Inflammatory and other eye diseases

Aloe juice 1 ml pour 150 ml hot water, cool and rinse your eyes with infusion 3-4 times a day.

Inflammatory gum diseases

Leave 100 grams of crushed leaves in a sealed container for 60 minutes, strain. Use as a mouth rinse.

For diabetes

Take fresh juice 1 tsp. three times a day before meals. You can dilute it in water.

Chronic constipation

Grind about 150 grams of aloe leaves, removing the thorns, add 300 grams of warm liquid honey to the pulp, leave for 24 hours, heat and strain. Take 1 tsp. an hour after eating every morning.

Aloe for hemorrhoids

Treatment is carried out outside of exacerbation, in the absence of bleeding from the nodes. Particularly effective in the initial stages.
Candles. Coat a piece of leaf pulp without skin and thorns with a mixture of honey and butter and insert into the rectum. Repeat twice, morning and evening.
Decoction for lotions and compresses: chop 5 leaves of the plant and add 500 ml of water, place in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. Soak clean gauze in the cooled broth and apply to the nodes for 15 minutes (lotion) or half an hour, covering with cellophane (compress). You can soak a gauze swab in the broth and carefully place it in the anus for half an hour (for internal localization).

Skin damage: wounds, abrasions, ulcers, frostbite

Mix honey and fresh juice 1:1, add medical alcohol - 1 tbsp. for 200 ml of mixture, store in the refrigerator. Lubricate the damage 3-4 times a day, place a clean cotton napkin on top.

Dilated capillaries, skin redness, wrinkles

Every evening, apply aloe juice to cleansed facial skin and massage it thoroughly with your fingers for 1-2 minutes. Course – 12 procedures, every other day. To prevent skin aging, frostbite, sunburn, and dryness, you can take an aloe leaf, cut it lengthwise, remove the thorns and lubricate cleansed facial skin on the mucous side in the morning or evening 1-2 times a week.

Aloe for hair

To stimulate growth, strengthen, and prevent hair loss. 1 tbsp. Boil the crushed leaves for 10 minutes in 500 ml of water, cool and strain. Wipe the scalp with the decoction 2-3 times a week, do not rinse. For hair loss, make a mask - rub a paste of crushed leaves into the hair roots, cover with cellophane and leave for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.

To preserve youthful skin

Aloe mask: 1 tbsp. sour cream ~ 20% mixed with 1 tsp. aloe juice and 1 tsp. yolk. Mix and apply to the face and neck, when the first layer dries, add another layer and so on for 20 minutes. Rinse with water at a contrasting temperature. Repeat once a week. Suitable for any skin type. You can add 1 drop of juice to your usual face cream or eyelid gel.

Sexual impotence, impotence

• Mix in equal parts: aloe juice, butter, goose fat, dried rosehip powder. Heat the mixture without letting it boil. Take 1 tablespoon three times a day, dissolved in 200 ml of hot milk, 30 minutes before meals. Keep refrigerated.
• Mix: 30 grams of chopped parsley seeds, 350 ml of red wine, 100 grams of chopped rose hips, 250 grams of honey and 150 grams of aloe juice. Leave for 2 weeks, shaking the contents once a day. Take 1 tbsp. three times a day before meals.

Contraindications

• Acute disorders of digestive function;
• Hypersensitivity to aloe;
• Hypertension;
• Severe cardiovascular diseases;
• Chronic diseases in the acute stage;
• Hemorrhoidal and uterine bleeding, menstruation (especially laxatives from the plant);
• Pregnancy (internal use);
• Children under 3 years of age. Externally - it is possible from a year, but 2 times less concentration.

Side effects and overdose

Failure to comply with the dosage of plant preparations, especially juice, leads to an overdose of antaglycosides and can cause poisoning, the symptoms of which are diarrhea with blood and mucous films, inflammation of the intestines, tenesmus, blood in the urine. Pregnant women may have a miscarriage.

Long-term internal use of the whole leaves, with the peel, is fraught with the development of oncology, since the peel contains aloin, a substance that is a carcinogen in large doses. Thus, in an experiment conducted by American specialists as part of the National Toxicology Program, about half of the rats that were given high doses of a plant extract obtained from the whole leaf developed benign and malignant tumors in the large intestine.

Aloe(Aloe) unites more than 500 species of shrubby, herbaceous and tree-like succulents belonging to the Xanthorrhoeaceae family. Like most types of succulents, aloe leaves are quite fleshy and contain large amounts of water and nutrients. The sword-shaped leaves grow from the root in a spiral and are collected in dense rosettes. The leaf blades of some species are covered with a waxy coating and have thorns along the edges. Aloe flowers are small in size, bell-shaped or tubular, collected in racemes or paniculate inflorescences. Some types of indoor aloe sometimes bloom at home. Typically the flowers have orange or yellowish hues, but there are also flowers with red petals.

Indoor views:

Aloe vera(Aloe vera, Barbados, Indian, Lanza) - a bush with short stems and fleshy, smoky-green lanceolate-shaped leaves, which are collected in small rosettes. On the leaf blade with white spots there may be pinkish thorns along the edge. During the flowering period, racemose inflorescences with yellowish flowers grow on a long peduncle.

Aloe arborescens(Aloe arborescens, agave) is a rapidly growing bush with well-defined stems and rosette, sword-shaped leaves of a grayish-green color. Flowers yellow, red or Pink colour located on a long peduncle and collected in racemose inflorescences. At home, this species blooms very rarely and is therefore called Agave, since there is a belief that it blooms only once every hundred years.

Aloe variegated(Aloe variegata, tiger, dotted, ausana) - a low plant (up to 30 cm in height) with dark green leaves. The leaves grow spirally from basal rosettes and are decorated with white stripes and dots. During the flowering period, yellow or pink flowers appear on long peduncles, which are collected in racemes. Aloe variegated is valued primarily for its decorative qualities and is often used by phytodesigners to decorate home interiors. Along with aloe flower arrangement These bushy or woody ones will look interesting different plants like ficus benjamina, indoor yucca in the form of a palm tree, dracaena marginata, zamioculcas dollar tree, chlorophytum with long leaves and rosette bushes on hanging tendrils, schefflera with palmately dissected leaves, lemon tree with shiny leaves and bright fruits.

- photo of aloe species

Beneficial properties and uses of aloe:

Juice from aloe leaves (Agave or Aloe Vera) is rich in useful substances such as carotenoids, flavonoids, catechins, active enzymes, vitamins A, vitamins C, vitamins A and E, mineral salts, amino acids.

The juice from fresh leaves of an adult plant is widely used in both traditional and folk medicine. Pharmacists often add Aloe Vera extract to effective medications. Condensed aloe juice or sabur, which is obtained by evaporation, is simply irreplaceable in many medical programs for the treatment of dangerous ailments and the prevention of diseases. In cosmetology - primarily as a catalyst for accelerating skin regeneration (for example, to get rid of folds after childbirth), improving the properties and rejuvenation of the skin.

Traditional methods of treatment often use aloe juice to make effective means against pharyngitis, purulent tonsillitis, various inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, stomatitis. The anti-inflammatory properties of homemade aloe promote rapid healing of ulcers, wounds, bruises, cuts, chemical or thermal burns. Crushed leaves of Agave or Aloe Vera can be added to medicinal compresses to get rid of allergic reactions on the skin, eczema, and dermatitis. Aloe extract has excellent bacteriostatic properties and therefore is added to products for the treatment of various digestive disorders and infectious diseases of the urinary system. Aloe extract is included in many antifungal drugs.

Homemade aloe - recipes:

Aloe juice along with honey can be used to prevent hair loss, to get rid of dandruff, and to make effective hair masks. Aloe with honey is also added to products to strengthen and protect the immune system, to treat colds, sinusitis, pulmonary diseases, chronic bronchitis, acute adnexitis.

Recipe for honey mask with aloe for dry skin.
Make a mixture of aloe juice, honey, oatmeal and glycerin in equal proportions. Beat the mixture with a blender and after 20 minutes, apply the mask in an even layer on cleansed skin. After 30 minutes, you can wash off the mask. Apply this mask to dry skin in the evening every other day for a month.

Recipe for a honey mask with aloe for aging skin.
Beat approximately 100 ml of juice with 2 tablespoons of honey in a blender. After 10 minutes, thoroughly cleanse the skin and apply the mask in a thick layer. After 30-40 minutes, you can wash off the mask. This product perfectly moisturizes the skin and smoothes out wrinkles.

An aloe vera mask with honey perfectly tones the skin, moisturizes, rejuvenates, cleanses inflammation and pustules.

Recipe for making an infusion to strengthen the immune system.
Pass 600 g through a meat grinder. Agave leaves and 500 gr. walnuts. Add 100 g to the mixture. natural honey, pour the contents into glass jar and put it in a closet for 3-4 days. Take 1 tbsp infusion. spoons after meals 30 minutes every day.

Recipe for preparing a mixture to strengthen the immune system.
Add 100 g to a small container. butter, four tablespoons of Agave juice, 50 gr. natural honey, 6 tbsp. spoons of cocoa. Mix everything thoroughly in a blender. Add 3 tablespoons of the mixture to warm milk and take after meals.

Recipe for making tincture for bronchitis and colds.
Mix 70 grams of dry red wine with 100 grams. alcohol, add 400 gr. crushed Aloe Vera leaves, stir thoroughly. Store in a dark and cool place. Take tincture 2 tbsp. spoons half an hour before meals 3 times a day.

♦ WHAT IS IMPORTANT!

Location and lighting.

All domestic aloe species are light-loving succulents. You can place a pot with a plant on the windowsill of a window facing the west or east side of the room. On the south side, aloe will also feel comfortable next to a window on a shelf or on a stand. However, be sure to shade window glass on sunny summer days to prevent burns from direct sunlight on the leaves. Protect homemade aloe from drafts. During the heating season, ventilate the room more often. On warm spring days and summer, you can place the pot on the balcony or loggia.

Temperature regime.

In winter, when the plant begins its dormant period, it is advisable to keep the temperature within 14-17°C. The rest of the time - normal room temperature 18-26°C.

Air humidity.

Aloe will feel comfortable at almost any humidity level if you water the plant correctly and on time.

Watering.

For irrigation, use warm, settled water. If in winter the temperature does not rise above 16°C, then water the plant no more than once every two weeks. During the period of active growth and development, you can water the plant once every 3-4 days (in summer it can be done more often, when the top layer of the substrate is completely dry). Try to water the aloe along the edge of the pot. Water should not get on the leaves and especially on the root rosette!

Earth mixture and fertilizing.

For landing indoor species aloe, you can use a purchased substrate intended for succulents and cacti. But it can be done earth mixture on your own: 2 parts of rotted leaf soil and 1 part of clean coarse sand.

The feeding period is from April to September. Feed the plant monthly with the solution. mineral fertilizers after watering. During the dormant period, fertilizing cannot be applied.

Transfer.

To plant aloe, choose a spacious, wide pot. Before use, you need to treat the pot with a strong solution of potassium permanganate. At the bottom of the pot you need to pour a drainage mixture of expanded clay, broken bricks and coarse sand. The best time for transplantation is mid-autumn. It is not necessary to replant the plant often - it is enough to change the top layer of the substrate annually. Young plants are replanted once every 2 years, old plants - once every 4 years.

Reproduction.

Homemade aloe is propagated by root shoots, shoots and seeds.

By shoots. Using a sharp, clean knife, cut off the shoot and dry it for 2-3 days, treating the cut area with crushed activated carbon. You need to pour clean, damp sand into the pot, make a depression, carefully place the shoot there and compact it a little. After a week, the shoot will take root and you can care for it in the same way as an adult aloe.

Seeds. Plant the seeds in a container with soil mixture at a distance of 2 cm from each other, slightly pressing them into the soil. Then you need to pour a thin layer of dry sand. Immerse the container with holes in the bottom 1/3 of the way into a tray with water. Cover the container with cellophane and keep the temperature in the “greenhouse” at 25-32°C. place the container closer to the light source. After 3-4 days, shoots should appear. You can transplant the sprouts into separate pots only when leaves appear on them.

Aloe has been revered as a sacred plant since ancient times. Egyptologists discover images of him on the walls of tombs. European history connects this plant with the goddess of love, Venus. Residents of African tribes use it in magical rituals.
This article will give a description of aloe, talk about the types and how agave differs from aloe vera, what beneficial properties and contraindications these plants have, how to use them, grow them at home and store them for future use.

European history connects aloe with the goddess of love, Venus.

The Aloe genus is part of the Asphodelaceae family and has over five hundred species of perennial plants. Among them there are mainly herbaceous representatives, but shrubby and even tree-like forms can also be found. All of them - succulents and xerophytes that easily tolerate dry conditions.

The stems of plants of this genus are not very tall. Aloe leaves accumulate moisture, so they are always thick, fleshy, oblong in shape, often have jagged edges, sharp spines or cilia, although they may also have a smooth edge. The leaves cover the shoot in a spiral and form dense rosettes.

The aloe flower is small, tubular, red, yellow, orange, and white. Numerous flowers are collected in a raceme inflorescence, moving away from the ground on a long peduncle. The fruit is a triangular capsule filled with numerous dark gray flying seeds.

The Aloe genus includes over five hundred species of perennial plants.

The homeland of aloe is the west of the Arabian Peninsula and the islands of Barbados and Curacao, from where the genus later spread to the continents with the active participation of humans.

Today, representatives of this ancient genus can be found in the wild in Africa and on nearby islands in South America.

Common types of aloe

• One of the most common representatives is aloe vera, or aloe vera. The densely branched shoots of this plant bear light green sword-shaped leaves. In the 16th century, this species began to be actively cultivated on the island of Barbados, for which the plant received the name Aloe Barbados. The grayish-green leaves of this ornamental aloe are distinguished by a pale pink border. Barbadensis is also known for its medicinal properties.
• Tree-like - an unpretentious plant, distinguished rapid growth and tree-like shape. It can reach a height of several meters, and the edges of its leaves are “decorated” with thorns. Often used in indoor floriculture. It is popularly called agave because... it is believed that the flowering of this species can be observed only once per century.
• Aristata (or aristata) is a compact bush-like plant whose leaves form an attractive hemispherical shape. In addition to over a hundred decorative leaves speckled with white, this species boasts spectacular orange inflorescences on a long stalk.

• Variegated is distinguished by its modest size: the shrub reaches a height of up to 30 cm. Its peculiarity lies in the decorative two-color triangular leaves. Due to the presence of stripes on the leaves, the plant received other names: tiger or striped. In spring, it is additionally decorated with eye-catching inflorescences of red or bright orange.
• The intimidating plant is so named due to the numerous thorns framing the massive leaves on both sides. Up to three meters high, the stem can bear both green and pale red leaves. Highly valued for its pharmaceutical properties.
• Marlotta, capable of forming thickets up to 4 m high in its natural environment, has a much more modest size in cultivation. Thick, fleshy leaves of a silver-blue hue are covered with red-brown teeth and collected in a tight rosette. Large orange or yellow inflorescences bloom on a long (up to 80 cm) peduncle.
• Haworthia forms not one, but several small (up to 5 cm) stemless rosettes. Long, thin, pointed leaves are covered with numerous spines and white bristles. Subject to certain conditions, the plant pleases the grower with graceful flowers. pastel shades on a peduncle 20-30 cm long.
• Acute is a shrub with oblong, grey-green, pointed leaves characterized by jagged edges. The spike-shaped inflorescence bears narrow-tubular buds of red shades.

Chemical composition, medicinal properties and harm

The active substances that make up aloe juice have given this plant the fame of a miracle flower. The table shows the nutrients and the medicinal properties due to their content.

Substance	Medicinal properties
Anthraglycosides	They have noticeable laxative, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory properties
Phytosterols	Reduce cholesterol levels and have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system
Organic acids	Promote intestinal health: prevent rotting, normalize the composition of microflora
Tannins	Have anti-inflammatory effect, bactericidal and hemostatic properties
Flavonoids	They are bioregulators and provide an increase in the body’s adaptive abilities; have disinfectant properties
Catechin (belongs to the group of flavonoids)	Has an antihistamine effect, helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels
Provitamin A (carotenoids)	Provides normalization of fat metabolism, lowers cholesterol levels, and also affects the sensitivity of the retina
Minerals and trace elements (the most significant content is calcium, magnesium and sodium)	Affects the normalization of metabolic processes, strengthening the immune system

Like all medicinal products, preparations of this plant have contraindications. In addition to individual intolerance, contraindications include pregnancy and lactation.

Collection, preparation and storage

Maximum concentration useful compounds in leaves is achieved by 3-5 years of growth. The lower and middle leaves of aloe are carefully separated from the trunk, because Damaging or cutting them will result in loss of juice. During the growing season, it is possible to collect 2-3 raw materials from each plant. The main product of leaf processing is juice.

It is allowed to store fresh juice in opaque glass containers or preserve it with alcohol.

Often, all medicinal forms of aloe are made from biostimulated leaves. Placing the leaf in harsh conditions (chilling) leads to biochemical changes in the tissues. As a result, the leaf forms and accumulates nutrients, the use of which awakens the vital functions of the patient.

Juice is the main product of leaf processing.

Application of aloe juice

Aloe juice is obtained from the leaves, the use of which helps in the treatment of a wide range of diseases of the skin and mucous membranes:

• Burns;
• Acne;
• Eczema;
• Cracks;
• Psoriasis;
• Epitheliomas;
• Trophic ulcers;
• Radiation damage to the skin;
• Herpetic rashes.

Foci of inflammation are lubricated with fresh juice 5-6 times a day or lotions are applied.
Juice electrophoresis is used for ophthalmological diseases.
Gardeners also readily use the juice of this plant: soaking seeds in 50% juice increases their germination capacity and speeds up germination.

Cosmetic properties of juice

The juice of this xerophyte also has a beneficial effect on the skin: it normalizes the water balance in tissues, promotes hydration, and evens out the complexion. A good effect is observed if you wipe your face with fresh, preferably biostimulated juice, or facial products prepared on its basis.

Thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe can become an indispensable assistant in the fight against acne. A face mask for acne based on juice will help eliminate sebaceous plugs, treat inflammation and redness on the skin.

Aloe leaf, due to the properties of its juice, draws out pus and foreign objects from the body.

The juice of this plant is a well-known folk remedy for stretch marks and sunburn. In both cases, it can be used both in pure form and as part of cosmetics.
The use of aloe for hair is also popular: the juice of this plant has a beneficial effect on hair follicles, can stimulate hair growth, strengthen roots, moisturize, nourish and protect the scalp from drying out, and add shine and softness to hair.

In order to squeeze out the juice, you must thoroughly rinse bottom sheet cut into small pieces, place them in cheesecloth and squeeze by pressing: manually or using a press.

Aloe is a plant that combines decorative and medicinal properties and is ideally suited for indoor floriculture. The most popular varieties for growing are aloe vera and aloe vera. Caring for aloe at home does not require a lot of effort and skills, so this flower is suitable even for beginners. Aloe mix is ​​gaining more and more popularity - different types of the same kind are placed in one container. Due to the similar growing conditions, this arrangement makes it easier to care for, and different plants, when grouped together, highlight each other's individuality.

The most popular varieties for growing are aloe vera and aloe vera.

A soil mixture intended for cacti is suitable for growing this succulent. You can make your own soil, but it is important to remember that you need soil with low acidity. The plant requires good lighting and loves bright sun, but at the same time it is unpretentious in terms of temperature (withstands temperature fluctuations ranging from 13 to 26 ° C).

Aloe is watered as the soil dries out. For irrigation, use settled water at room temperature. Overwatering threatens root rot and plant death. Leaves must be cleaned of dust without spraying.

There are several ways to propagate this plant. The traditional method of propagation for plants - by seeds - requires a significant time investment, and therefore vegetative methods of propagation have become much more widespread: planting shoots, propagation by cuttings or the tip of a shoot.

The deep root system and rapid growth rate necessitate regular replanting. It is not recommended to apply fertilizers within 6 months after transplantation. Then you can fertilize more often, but no more than once a month. They use special preparations for succulents, but it is worth remembering that mineral supplements may negatively affect the medicinal properties of the plant. The best choice in this case, biological drugs.

Aloe requires good light and loves bright sun

Recipes

• For gastrointestinal disorders (constipation, gastritis, enteritis), take 1 tsp of juice. 2-3 times a day before meals.
• It also saves you from a runny nose if you drop 3-5 drops of juice into your nose.
• Tincture:
  At home, to preserve juice, you can prepare aloe juice in alcohol using 70% alcohol in a ratio of 4 parts juice to 1 part alcohol.
• Aloe for immunity:
  Fresh aloe juice - 150 ml, honey - 250 g, Cahors - 350 ml. Mix the ingredients and take 1 tbsp orally. 3 times a day before meals.
• Lotions for barley:
  Finely chop a small leaf (about 5-6 g), pour one glass of cold boiled water, leave for 7-8 hours, pass through cheesecloth or a fine sieve. Use with a cotton pad.

Question answer

Is aloe a cactus?
Sometimes on the Internet you can find the statement that aloe is “ medicinal cactus" This opinion is wrong. Aloe, like most types of cacti, belongs to the group of succulents - they have the ability to accumulate moisture in their tissues, are resistant to dry conditions and often have spines. However, these plants are located far from each other in the taxonomic tree, because belong to different classes.

What is the difference between agave and aloe?
Agave is the “folk” name of one of the species of the genus. This is what is commonly called tree aloe, but the genus is not limited to just this species (see above). It would be incorrect to call any aloe agave.

Is it possible to eat aloe raw?
Can. The leaves of this plant are found on sale in some organic food supermarkets. Before eating them, it is advisable to cut off the thorns and peel.

How often to water aloe?
As the soil dries out. In summer this happens once every 2-3 days, and in winter - once every 2 weeks.

Aloe has the ability to accumulate moisture in tissues

How to propagate aloe vegetatively?
To do this, you will need healthy shoots without damage. The best time to collect and reproduce them is summer. Cut into 10 cm pieces, the shoots are sprinkled with coal and dried in the shade. Then you need to plant them without roots in damp sand, pressing them slightly. Both drying out and waterlogging should not be allowed. After rooting, the plants are transplanted into the ground.
Sometimes an adult bush produces shoots. In this case, when transplanting, you should transplant the shoot into a separate pot.

Why do the tips of aloe leaves dry out?
The most common reason is that the pot is too small. It can be eliminated by transplanting the plant into a larger container. Drying of leaves can also be caused by:
Lack of sunlight, to which the plant is very sensitive. The best decision– place the flower on the windowsill on the south or southeast side.
Lack of nutrients. In this case, the plant requires feeding.