Rubber Plant
Perfect plants for beginner indoor gardeners as they’re super tough, have large glossy leaves and grow quickly into an impressive indoor specimen.
If you are wanting to clear the air, say ‘Aloe’ to your new best bud in the home. Aloes (Aloe vera) are not just there to help with those after beach sunburns (ouch!), but can also assist in the home by removing toxins in the air.
How can such a simple plant do so much you ask? A study conducted by NASA scientists in the late 80’s has shown that when planted in the right conditions can reduce the amount of formaldehyde present in an indoor area. Easy to grow both outdoors and in, these hardy, beneficial and multi-use plants are a must have in the home say ‘Aloe you Vera much’ and make for this helper in your home.
How to grow aloe vera in a garden
- Choose a well drained spot in the garden and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.
- Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
- Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil lightly moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.
- Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw or with pebbles or stones, ensuring to keep it away from the base of the plant.
- Water occasionally, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
- Step 6: Feed your plantt every month from spring to autumn with Yates Dynamic Lifter Liquid.
How to grow aloe vera in a pot
- Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the existing plant. Position indoors in a brightly lit spot, sheltered from the harsh afternoon sun.
- Partially fill the pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Specialty Potting Mix Cacti & Succulents.
- Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any encircled or tangled roots.
- Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in lightly to just moisten the soil.
- Protect your plants from annoying fungus gnats by applying a layer of Yates Gnat Barrier to the top of the mix.
- Feed your plant during the growing season - usually from spring to autumn - with Yates Thrive Plant Food Spikes Cacti & Succulents.
Growing tips
Keep the leaves dust free by gently wiping with a damp cloth.
Aloes are easily propagated by division.
Replant every two years to keep the soil fresh and reduce overcrowding.
The sap from the Aloe Vera is one of the most widely used medicinal aloes and can be found in cosmetics, ointments and even drinks.
To give your aloe the perfect home, ensure that the pot has adequate drainage.
Avoid having the plants sit in water as they don’t like having wet feet.
If would like to read more on the NASA click here for a copy of the original study.
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