Aloe vera soil: 5 important criteria

When cultivating Aloe vera-Plants, the right substrate is essential for the sun worshiper's vitality. It has to meet certain criteria so that the succulent plant feels comfortable in the bucket. Aloe vera can be kept in this soil for a long period of time.

5 important criteria for aloe soil

Permeable

One of the most important criteria for an ideal aloe vera potting soil is permeability. The succulents are extremely sensitive to waterlogging and for this reason must be protected from this. You therefore need drainage that is worked directly into the succulent soil. This improves the structure of the substrate so that the aloe does not constantly suffer from stress from the moisture.

Easy

Real aloes do not need humus in the soil and prefer light soils for this. Above all, the air permeability is appreciated by the Arab plants, as their roots are not allowed to start to rot. This can quickly lead to overhydration

Root rot that you absolutely have to prevent.

Lime content

Another important point when mixing the substrate for the aloe is the need for lime. This can already be seen from the pH value, which is best suited for the aloe plants. They do best in substrates that have a pH of 6.0 to 7.2. For this reason you don't need a lot of lime, but it is necessary to keep the pH high enough. Aloe does not tolerate strongly acidic soils in any form. Therefore, lime is important when very light soil is used for planting.

Low in nutrients

Aloe vera plants require only a few nutrients in the container substrate. In most cases it is sufficient to regularly supply the plants with a liquid fertilizer. The soil used for the plants is usually pre-fertilized and thus provides the plant with nutrients for a while. But you don't have to mix anything into the soil yourself to make it more nutrient-rich.

Dry

As already mentioned, aloes prefer a well-drained substrate. In general, you should avoid a moist substrate, because the plant can cope well with drought. Aloe vera would not tolerate soil that is too moist because the soil is usually heavier. This has a negative effect on root growth and should therefore be avoided.

Note: Despite the preferred drought, you need to water aloes regularly. Once a week after a finger test is completely sufficient.

Mix the substrate yourself

You now know the criteria for a suitable aloe soil. This will make it easier for you to find a good growing medium for the unique succulents. They are better suited for the succulents as they are neither too heavy nor densifying. Since the aloe is a succulent plant, appropriate potting soil can be used for the plants. The best basis are the following:

• Cactus soil
• Succulent soil

These two are permeable and have the necessary structure in which the aloes feel comfortable. If you don't want to buy it, you can mix a variant yourself.

Make sure that you buy a high quality universal soil without peat content. It offers the necessary structure, which you still have to adapt a little. For this you need:

• Quartz sand
• Drainage material (expanded clay, perlite)
• Primary rock powder (granite, basalt)
• Garden lime

In combination with these substances, the conventional universal soil becomes a suitable container substrate for the real aloe. Simply mix the ingredients together according to the following mixing ratio and the ideal soil for your aloe vera is ready:

• 5 parts universal earth
• 3 parts of drainage material
• 1 part quartz sand
• 1 part primary rock meal
• Max. 1 tablespoon of garden lime

Note: You could put the real aloe in conventional potting soil and loosen it up a little, but this slows down growth noticeably. In addition, you have to repot more often, as the soil gives the roots less space.

frequently asked Questions