Aloe vera is a very popular house plant that many of us have in our homes. I personally love aloe vera, I don’t know what it is about the plant that makes me so drawn to it, maybe it’s the fact that it’s so easy to take care of. Aloe vera is a succulent plant, which means that it does not need a lot of water to survive. So let’s find out if you water it from the top or bottom:
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Do you water aloe vera from top or bottom?
The answer is you should always water it from the bottom. And why I can hear you asking? In a nutshell, aloe vera plants don’t require a lot of water because they are succulents. Succulents are plants that have thick, fleshy leaves that store water. To properly water your aloe vera plant, begin by pouring slowly from the bottom. This will allow the roots to absorb the water. Once you see water coming out of the drainage holes – stop pouring.
How to water aloe vera
Before you think about how you’re going to water your aloe plant, you need to think about the type of water you are going to use. In my opinion, you have 2 options which are either rainwater or distilled water. The reason I don’t mention good old-fashioned tap water is that it contains chlorine and fluoride which will have a detrimental effect on your plant in the long run.
Don’t beat yourself up if you occasionally use tap water to nourish your plant – just remember it’s far better to use either rainwater or distilled water. Watering from the bottom allows you to really concentrate on targeting the aloe vera’s root system – if you pour from the bottom, simply put, you’re just wasting water.
The pouring technique
The process of pouring water into the bottom of your aloe vera plant is a simple one. Firstly, try to keep a nice slow and steady consistent flow – there is absolutely no need to rush things. Whilst you’re pouring, try to evenly distribute the water around the base of the plant. You can continue watering the bottom of the plant until you notice water coming out of the plant pot’s drainage holes – this is an indication that you need to stop watering.
Importance of watering from the bottom
Watering from the bottom is so important for a number of reasons. For starters, it allows the water to really target the aloe vera plant’s root system – which is essential for the plant’s health. If you were to water from the top, the chances are that a lot of water will simply run off the plant and be wasted as the leaves can’t absorb it. Watering from the bottom also helps to prevent any water-logging that could potentially damage your plant
When you consider that aloe vera plants may grow up to several feet tall, it’s easy to see why simply damping the leaves isn’t enough to keep the plant alive. This is yet another reason why watering your aloe vera plant should always be done from the bottom instead of the other way around. You’ll ensure that you get all of the roots if you aim for the base of the plant.
If you’re aiming for the top of the plant, you will get the leaves and upper portion of the soil wet enough, but not necessarily the roots.
How much water does your aloe vera plant need?
As I mentioned before, aloe vera plants are succulents and don’t require a lot of water to survive. They are very drought-tolerant plants that can store water in their leaves for long periods of time. With that being said, you should still aim to water your plant around once every 3-4 weeks. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to water your plant more frequently.
You’ll know it’s time to water your aloe vera plant when the leaves start to hang to the sides rather than pointing in more of an upward direction – this is an indication that the plant is thirsty. When you do water your plant, make sure you allow the soil to completely dry out before watering it again. This will help to prevent any problems with root rot.
How do I know if my aloe is overwatered?
When the leaves develop water-soaked spots that appear soggy and soft, your aloe plant is being overwatered. It’s almost as though the entire leaf becomes saturated with water before turning to a mushy consistency. These leaves will eventually fall off the plant if the problem is not remedied quickly. Let’s look at some more indications below:
Leaf Discoloration
If you notice that the leaves on your aloe plant are starting to turn yellow or brown, this is a surefire sign of overwatering. This is frequently a symptom of root rot, which I’ll talk about below.
Mold Growing In The Soil
If you see mold or mildew growing in the soil, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough drainage and the roots are sitting in water. This will eventually lead to root rot, which can kill your plant. From time to time I check the soil to see if I can find little specs of white which are sometimes the early stages of mold. It’s not just white that is common, other colors of mold can be green or yellow.
Oedema
Oedema is a condition that causes raised, corky lesions on the leaves. These lesions are usually caused by excess moisture in the plant, which can be a result of overwatering or high humidity. It’s possible that your aloe vera plant is always wet, even on the undersides of its thick leaves. Even if you give your aloe vera plenty of time to dry, these damp regions do not clear up because they are overly saturated with water.
In addition, oedema may present as blisters on your aloe vera’s leaves. These blisters could be large and swollen when they appear or start out small before gradually growing larger.
Root Rot
If you notice that the roots of your plant are starting to turn yellow, brown, or black, this is a sign of root rot. Root rot is caused by too much moisture in the soil, which can be the result of overwatering or poor drainage. When the roots sit in water for too long, they start to break down and decay. This can eventually kill your plant.
Sagging Leaves
If the leaves on your aloe plant are starting to sag or droop, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Sagging leaves can also be caused by too much sunlight, but if you notice that the leaves are wilting and the soil is dry, it’s likely that your plant needs more water.
Soft Leaves
If the leaves on your aloe plant are soft or mushy, this could be a sign of overwatering. Overwatering can cause the leaves to swell and become waterlogged, which makes them more susceptible to damage. The leaves may also start to fall off the plant if they are too soft.
How do I know if my aloe vera plant is healthy?
There are a few key things you can look for to determine if your aloe vera plant is healthy. First, take a look at the leaves. Healthy leaves should be thick and fleshy with a deep green color. If the leaves are pale or yellow, this could be a sign that the plant is not getting enough light.
Next, check the roots of the plant. Healthy roots should be white or cream-colored and firm to the touch. If the roots are black or mushy, this could be a sign of root rot.
Finally, take a look at the overall size and shape of the plant. A healthy aloe vera plant should be upright with thick leaves that point upward. If the plant is leaning to one side or the leaves are drooping, this could be a sign that the plant needs more water.
Conclusion
So now you have an understanding as to why it is always best to water your aloe vera plant from the bottom. Let’s sum up below what we have learnt:
- Aloe vera plants should be watered from the bottoms to the roots the best chance to absorb it
- Pour water at the base of the plant in a nice steady flow of water (not too quick)
- Stop watering once you can see the water coming out of the drainage holes
- Use rainwater or distilled water
- You should only water your aloe vera plant once every 3-4 weeks once the soil has dried out
- Overwatering can cause Leaf Discoloration, Mold Growing In The Soil, Oedema, Root Rot, Sagging Leaves and Soft Leaves
- A healthy aloe vera plant has thick fleshy leaves and white or cream colored roots and should point in an upward direction
People also ask
What position does aloe vera like?
The aloe vera plant grows best in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it will not produce as much sap if it does not get enough sunlight.
Should I cut the brown tips off my aloe plant?
Remove any brownish-pinkened leaf tips or whole leaves from the aloe plant. These regions are dying, therefore getting rid of them aids in the maintenance of the aloe plant. For small and medium-sized plants, use a knife; for big, thick leaves, use sheers. In time, the exposed tip of the leaf will seal up on its own.
How do I make my aloe plant green again?
To restore an aloe vera, it is critical to simulate the conditions of low rainfall, partial or full sun, and well draining gritty soil so that the plant may recover.
Is coffee good for aloe vera plants?
Contrary to popular belief, aloe veras do not enjoy coffee grounds. Aloe vera’s grow best in soils that are slightly acidic to alkaline but seem to prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH levels.
