Can Aloe Vera gel fertilize succulents? This natural nutrient-rich plant booster promotes growth, strengthens roots, and keeps pests away.
Succulents are aesthetic, low-maintenance, and resilient. But how do you nourish them naturally? The same Aloe Vera gel that soothes sunburns can also boost growth and add nutrients to your succulents. But can you use Aloe Vera Gel as a fertilizer for other succulents? Read ahead to find your answers.
Aloe Vera Gel as Fertilizer for Succulents
The Powerhouse of Nutrients
Aloe vera is considered the powerhouse of nutrients for your succulents; it contains 75 active compounds beneficial to plant growth, promoting a healthy root system, lush foliage, and resilient plants. It’s like giving your plants a green smoothie packed with everything they need.
They have:
- 20 essential amino acids
- Vitamins A, C, E, and B1, B2, B6, and B12
- Minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium
- Natural sugars and complex carbohydrates
- Enzymes and plant hormones like auxins and gibberellins
On top of that, aloe boosts plant immunity and works as a natural pesticide. Unlike chemical fertilizers, it doesn’t just feed the plant—it also nourishes soil microbes that keep succulents thriving.
Why to Use Aloe Vera for Your Succulents
Succulents may look bulletproof, but they’re not. Transplant shock, weak roots, pests, or poor soil can all knock them down. Aloe vera steps in as a one-stop solution.
Root Development
Aloe vera acts as a natural rooting hormone that promotes rapid root formation and helps propagate succulents efficiently. Additionally, it helps in healing and root development.
Tip: After repotting, a light aloe drench can perk up a weak succulent and cut the risk of root rot.
Stress Recovery
Aloe vera contains salicylic acid, saponins, and enzymes that help plants recover from transplant shocks and protect against pathogens like fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
Improved Nutrient Absorption
Aloe vera’s complex sugars and phytochemicals add nutrients to the soil and improve its fertility by enhancing microbial activity. This means the plant roots can absorb nutrients more efficiently.
Natural Pest Repellent
The high aloin content in aloe leaves keeps pests like insects, birds, and rodents away. This helps succulents stay pest-free, and that too without any synthetic chemicals.
Good to Know: Some gardeners even use aloe vera spray as a natural shield against mealybugs and aphids—it keeps them away without harming the plant.
How to Use Aloe Vera Gel for Your Succulents
Aloe Foliar Spray
A foliar spray allows nutrients to be absorbed through the succulent’s leaves. This is especially useful for plants with a nutrient deficiency.
Blend around 2 to 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 liter of water. Strain it to remove any chunks. Spray the mixture lightly on the leaves in the early morning or evening for best absorption.
Apply once every 2 to 4 weeks during the active growing season of spring and summer.
Soil Application as Liquid Fertilizer
Aloe vera gel mixed with soil acts as a natural slow-release fertilizer; this improves soil structure and provides nutrients over time.
Mix fresh aloe gel with water in a 1:3 ratio, and then start by watering the base of your succulent with this mixture. Do not overwater and avoid soggy soil for your succulents’ health. Do this once a month during the growing season, and they’ll be good to go!
Rooting Hormone for Propagation
When propagating succulents from cuttings, aloe vera can significantly increase the chance of successful rooting.
Dip the end of the succulent cutting in fresh aloe vera gel before planting, or soak the cutting in aloe solution (try 1 tablespoon gel in 1 cup water) for 6 to 12 hours.
Extra Note: This trick works especially well for slow-rooting succulents like echeverias and haworthias—helping them root faster.
Keep in Mind When Using Aloe Vera for Your Succulents
Succulents need well-draining soil, and they hate soggy conditions. Make sure that aloe vera mixtures do not make the soil soggy. Always dilute aloe vera before applying it to avoid overloading the plant. If you’re unsure about how your succulents will react, test it on a small section before using it fully.
Also, remember that aloe vera is best used fresh. If you’re using stored gel, make sure it hasn’t fermented or spoiled, as this can harm the plant instead of helping it.
Conclusion
The answer is a big yes—aloe vera can fertilize succulents. From boosting roots to keeping pests away, it’s an eco-friendly, chemical-free way to care for your green buddies.
Just like you pamper your skin with aloe, let your succulents enjoy the same soothing care—they’ll thank you with healthy growth.
Make sure to have a soothing aloe vera care routine for your succulent friends, just like you have for yourself.
