Aloe Vera is a strong succulent plant therefore it can be easily grown in water only. But there are a few things that you need to keep in mind while growing aloe vera in water.
Light, Watering, and Fertilizing are some of the main growth factors that directly impact the health of aloe growing in water.
In this article, I’ll explain how to grow aloe vera plants in water as quickly as possible. I’ll skip all the unnecessary steps so that you can finish the job in less time.
Plants growing in water often face common problems like root rot and fungal attacks. At the end of this article, you will find a troubleshooting section.
To grow it in water, use blub vase and submerge the roots in water by keeping the leaves above the water level. Place it in a warm and bright location and fertilize only once a month. Your aloe vera will grow healthy and perfect.
But I want to clarify that it is easy to grow it in water but the aloe vera plants cannot grow for a long time in the water as compared to the potting soil method.
What things do you need to grow Aloe Vera in water?
Bulb vase with a narrow neck
Healthy Aloe Vera plant
Sharp shears
Soap or disinfectant
Aloe Vera in Water Vs Aloe Vera in Soil
Aloe plants can easily absorb nutrients from the soil as compared to water. Soil also gives nice support to its roots and keeps them warm in cold weather.
On the other hand, when we use water as a growing medium there are chances of fungus attack on roots. Because the roots are submerged in water all the time.
This increases the chances of algae build-up.
You also need to clean the glass container with soap or disinfectant once a week. Also, need to change the water once in 3 days or when it gets dirty.
The main problem with this method is root damage. When light rays fall on the roots, the roots get damaged.
To protect the plant roots you should use newspaper or decorating paper to cover the base of the plant vase. I prefer using dark color bottles to minimize this risk.
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Steps to grow Aloe Vera plant in water
You have two methods, first is simply to take the plant and place it in water. The second is to divide the roots into different parts and then plant them in water.
The stem-cutting method will not work here because it is the propagating technique of aloe vera.
In the first method take a healthy plant which is young and short in height. Gently remove the soil from the roots.
You can use a paper towel and water to completely clean the roots. Be gentle while working on them because plants with damaged roots will not survive in water.
Now gently place the plant in a glass vase and fill it with water to its neck. Make sure some of the roots are above the water level.
This step is necessary because aloe needs fresh oxygen and it can absorb it from the atmosphere with the help of its roots.
The second method
Divide the plant roots into different parts and clean the roots with water. Separate the baby plant from the main mother plant.
Place the divisions in a vase filled with water. Use those divisions that have some roots at the bottom. Remove the leaves or bulbs that are at the bottom of the stem.
This will save the plant energy and your plant grow fast and healthy in a short time.
What does Aloe Vera need to grow in water?
As I mentioned above: Light, Water, and fertilizers are the main growth factors for aloe vera growing in water.
Indirect bright light is recommended for the aloe vera that is growing in water. Because it cannot handle direct sunlight even in the morning time.
Therefore, protect it from direct sunlight. Place the vase in indirect bright light to full fill its light needs. Also, protect the plant roots from Sunlight.
The next step is giving it a sufficient amount of fresh oxygen. To do so expose some parts of the roots to the air. This will keep the plant roots healthy.
Healthy roots are the foundation of a strong aloe vera plant.
The third step is using a balanced fertilizer. Because your plant is resting in water so you need to use a fertilizer that is specially made for hydroponic systems.
These fertilizers are a little bit costly but are very effective and needed in less quantity.
In spring and summer fertilize your plant once in 30 days. Take the desired amount of liquid from the supplement bottle and dilute it in clean water.
Read the instruction on the bottle for a detailed guide.
Then mix this solution in the vase. For other plants, we use a pH testing kit to measure the pH of the solution.
But you don’t need this kit in this case because the aloe vera plant is a strong succulent and it can handle little changes in pH.
General problems with Aloe Vera
Growing Aloe plant in water is simple but it has its drawbacks. There are some common problems with this growing technique. Below is the complete guide.
Algae in Water
This is the most common problem with aloe plants that are growing in water. Fortunately, it is easy to fix.
Take the plant out of the vase and throw the water.
Then use the disinfectant or dishwashing soap and clean the vase with warm water.
Fill the vase with clean filtered water and place the plant in it.
The direct flow of light causes the algae to build up in the water. Place it away from the direct path of sunrays and it will stay safe.
You should complete this entire process in less than 7 minutes. Because exposing the plant roots to the air for a long time is harmful for plant health.
Root Rot
Root rot generally triggers when plant roots sit in water for a long time. If the roots of your aloe vera plant are black or brown then it is surely a root fungus.
To prevent this disease, expose the roots to oxygen. Reduce the amount of water in the vase so that the roots can absorb some air from the surroundings.
Once you see infected roots immediately take the plant out of the vase and cut the infected roots. Change the water of the vase and place it again in the same vase.
If more than 60% of aloe vera roots are discolored, this means your plant has the last stage of infection and you cannot save it.
In this condition, simply throw the plant in the garbage and start again.
Aloe Plant Dying in Water (yellow leaves)
If your aloe plant is dying in water then you need to check the growing environment. Make sure it is not too close to the light source.
The room has a good amount of fresh air and the water is clean and clear.
Whereas yellow leaves mean your plant is getting less light than it needs. Plant leaves absorb light energy and convert it to chlorophyll.
This gives them their natural color which is bright green. In the absence of a sufficient amount of chlorophyll, the leaves start losing their natural color and turn yellow.
Make sure your plant is getting enough light, to help your plant you can use artificial grow lights.
General maintenance tips
Change the water regularly and please use filtered water only
Use less amount of fertilizer and only use water-soluble hydroponic fertilizers.
Do not expose it to the high intense sunlight
Protect its roots from light exposure
Conclusion
Keep changing the water on time and give lesser fertilizers. Your aloe vera will grow healthy. Also, keep the surroundings clean.
For more information on how to grow aloe vera in water please contact us.
