Are you struggling to grow aloe vera, and you think the problem is fertilizers? You may be guessing it right! Let’s uncover the facts!
Aloe vera is a self-sufficient plant; therefore, the easiest trick to grow it faster is to plant and ignore it! You’ll be amazed to know that these succulents can thrive in nutrient-poor soil but get burned if overfed. So, if your aloe vera is also behaving the same way, let’s discuss!
Grow Aloe Vera Faster Without Fertilizer
1. Soil Quality
You can grow aloe vera using your regular succulent or cactus potting mix. Or mixing 50% potting soil and 50% amendments such as perlite, pumice, or coarse sand would also work. This soil mix will allow water to drain properly and prevent root rot caused by excess water accumulation.
One more thing to keep in mind is to avoid soil that feels heavy or stays wet for too long, as aloe vera roots prefer breathing space more than nutrients.
2. Exposer to light
Aloe vera requires plenty of light to thrive. So place the plant pot in a location that receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. If it receives less than 6 hours of indirect sunlight, the aloe vera may become leggy and weak.
3. Dry-out Method
Are your aloe vera leaves turning yellow? Overwatering is the reason behind this. Hence, it is recommended to water them every 2-3 weeks in summer to let the soil dry out properly.
4. Pot Type
Aloe vera needs more air and less water. Therefore, a terracotta or clay pot with large drainage holes is beneficial for allowing the soil to dry out efficiently. On top of that, make sure to choose a larger pot to allow for proper root growth.
Avoid decorative pots without drainage holes, as trapped water can slow growth and cause root issues even without fertilizer use.
5. Repotting Technique
Is your aloe vera getting bigger than the pot? This is the time to find a bigger pot for them. This will allow the soil to breathe again and replenish its nutrients without the use of artificial fertilizers.
6. Removing Pups
Have you seen the baby aloe vera coming out of the soil? This small baby will interfere with the mother plant’s growth. Therefore, it is important to remove them carefully and replant it in a new pot. This will allow the mother plant to energize itself and grow larger.
7. Temperature Matters
Aloe vera grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C to 30°C. Cold drafts, frost, or sudden temperature drops can slow growth, even if everything else is perfect.
8. Good Air Circulation
Placing aloe vera in a well-ventilated area helps the soil dry faster and reduces the chances of fungal issues, which is especially helpful when growing without fertilizer.
Pro Tip!
Applying a 1/4 inch layer of worm castings or compost to the topsoil in spring will act as a natural fertilizer. By this simple method, you can easily reduce the need for artificial fertilizers and grow your aloe vera faster.
Growing aloe vera is easier than we think, but resisting the urge to overwater it is crucial for its health. Moreover, the art of noticing is required to make it grow well in an adaptive environment.
If you are also facing issues with growing indoor plants without fertilizer, share your questions below. We are together in this!
