When the aloe vera blooms, it's not just decorative. Both the flower and the leaves contain important substances that can be used for skin care, among other things.
When does aloe vera bloom?
The aloe vera blooms from about the third year after it has been separated from the mother plant. However, flowering may be delayed depending on the conditions at the site and how it is cared for. When the aloe vera begins to bloom also depends on these factors. In a cool but frost-free winter, the inflorescences begin to form, so that the first signs of growth can already be visible in December. Due to the slow growth, however, the flowering is not until early spring
fully mature.Appearance of the flower
Aloe vera flowers are modified leaves of the succulent plant. They grow out of the middle of the plant and usually reach a significantly greater length than the rest of the leaves. Shaped as an upright panicle, the flower can be yellow, orange or red.
Tip: If the plant dies after flowering, in most cases it is not a mistake in care or an unsuitable location. Instead, there is often a mix-up. Because the agave is very similar to the aloe both in the appearance of the leaves and the flowers.
Failure to bloom - causes
If the aloe vera too
does not bloom after several years, various factors can be responsible for this. These include:- wrong wintering
- missing earth volume
- insufficient supply of nutrients
- too dark location
- too high humidity
Since these influences can ensure that flowering does not occur, site conditions and care should be carefully checked. A cool overwintering at 10 to 15 degrees Celsius has a stimulating effect on flower formation. In order for these to grow and open, the plant needs at least 15 to 40 liters of soil. Repotting every two years is also advisable to ensure the supply of nutrients. In addition, the aloe vera should not be placed too far from a window in rooms with high humidity, such as the bathroom and kitchen, or in winter.
Ingredients of the flowers
Just like the leaves of the aloe vera, the flowers also contain valuable ones
Substances. These are among others:- Mucopolysaccharides
- Sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose
- amino acids
- carbohydrates
- secondary plant substances
All of these substances are of crucial importance for both the nourishment of the skin and the nourishment of the body. This gives rise to the possible uses of the flowers.
Use of the flower
Just like the leaves of aloe vera, the flowers can also be used for skin care. To do this, they can be ground up with a mortar and pestle, for example, or put in a blender. Used in creams and soaps, they supply the skin with moisture and nourishing substances. In smoothies, salads or yoghurt, however, the pieces of the petals can also be consumed and thus work from the inside.
However, it should be noted that the inside of the green aloe leaves has significantly more volume and is therefore much easier to use both for skin care and in nutrition.
