Aloe vera is a common ingredient in cosmetics, renowned for its regenerative properties. However, did you know that this rich-in-nutrients plant can be used to enhance the well-being of your other plants, too?
That’s right, homemade aloe vera fertilizer has numerous benefits that can help your plants grow and thrive!
You can make it quickly, it’s super easy to use, and the results are absolutely amazing. Join us as we share the easy steps to make and use this natural elixir for healthier, happier plants!
Why You Should Use Aloe Vera As Fertilizer
Aloe barbadensis, commonly known as Aloe vera, is a popular succulent plant that belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. Besides its obvious aesthetic benefits, Aloe is also widely recognized for its diverse health-promoting, skin care, and medicinal properties.
Vitamins A, C, E, B, magnesium, zinc, calcium, antioxidants, amino acids, and complex carbohydrates are just a few of the beneficial compounds contained within Aloe [1].
Just imagine the nutrient boost for your plants if you added Aloe vera to your fertilization plan!
Fertilizer containing Aloe can encourage seed germination, promote rapid root development, make the cells of the plants stronger, and improve overall improve plant well-being.
Since it does an amazing job in root development, Aloe alone is often used as a rooting hormone when propagating. This can be done by soaking the cutting in aloe vera gel or in aloe vera fertilizer about 6-12 hours before planting, but you can also soak the soil with the fertilizer.
Enzymes and phytohormones found in Aloe can reduce transplant shock, but also make the plant more resistant to disease, stress, and drought.
This is because the plant contains saponins and acemannan, compounds that have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties [2]. So, no more mold, pathogens, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms that would otherwise ruin your plants!
We also have to mention that Aloe contains high levels of salicylic acid, which can boost plants’ immune systems and help them fight off diseases.
Using Aloe fertilizer leads to happier and healthier plants. You won’t have to worry when transplanting, or if you forgot to water your plants. Plus, you’ll save some extra money instead of buying pesticides and insecticides!
Related: 7 Secrets Everyone With An Aloe Plant Should Know
How To Make And Use Aloe Vera As Fertilizer
Find the edible and medicinal kind of Aloe vera. You can use its leaves, but you can also use bottled pure gel or powder mixed with water.
This is the ratio – 1/8 of a teaspoon of powder or a ¼ cup of pure gel per gallon of water. Mix them vigorously and put the solution in a sprayer.
If you are using leaves, remove the skin and focus only on the inner part (which is the gel). To extract the gel, slowly cut out the outer edges of the leaves and peel off the top skin.
Then, scoop out the gel and mix it with water (use a blender to do this). Add more water to dilute it if needed.
Aloe vera foliar sprays should be applied early in the morning or in the evening. Don’t get the leaves wet in direct sunlight because this might lead to sunburn.
Always shake the sprayer and wet the leaves until they are dripping. Don’t forget the undersides of the leaves. Apply this spray once a week or once a month, depending on the plant’s needs.
Aloe vera powder can also be added to other foliar spray treatments, such as B. when using neem oil.
This also might be useful: Spectacular Types Of Aloe Plants That You Can Grow
References:
1. Sanchez M, et al. Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
2. Surjushe A, et al. Aloe Vera: A Short Review. National Center for Biotechnology Information.