Aloe vera: why your plant (not) blooms and what to do with the flower

Does the Aloe vera plant bloom? And what to do with the flower? Does it have the same magnificent properties as the leaves?

When does the Aloe vera plant bloom? And what to do with the flower? Does it have the same magnificent properties as the leaves?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant grown not only for ornamental purposes both in outdoor and indoor spaces, but above all for its many beneficial properties. From this plant, in fact, a gel is obtained which has a moisturizing, soothing, healing action on the skin and which is also used to make hair stronger and brighter. Not everyone knows, however, that this plant blooms, giving life to characteristic reddish or yellowish flowers. Let's find out how to promote flowering, the properties of the flower and how they could be used.





Read also: Aloe Vera: the amazing uses (backed by science) you don't expect

Index

How and when does the Aloe vera plant bloom?

Aloe vera: why your plant (not) blooms and what to do with the flower

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Belonging to the Aloaceae families, Aloe vera is an evergreen succulent plant which, with the right care, can reach up to one meter in height. Fleshy leaves originate from its robust root, with pointed apex and thorny margins, from which the aloe gel is obtained. The most widespread and cultivated Aloe plants are Aloe vera and Arborescens, with smaller leaves than the first. In reality, however, there are about 400 species of this plant that thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and prefers warm temperatures. 

If you have never seen any flowers on your Aloe plant, fear not. Only mature plants, which are at least 4 years old, flower. Flowering generally occurs between spring and autumn, but it depends a lot on the species and variety. The flowers are formed at the top of the stem, which can be branched, simple or in clusters.

Contrary to what happens with plants such as agave, Aloe vera does not die after its flowering. The cluster inflorescences of Aloe vera, with a color ranging from red to shades of orange and yellow, are very reminiscent of those of Kniphofia, a genus of plants of the Liliaceae family. 

Read also: Aloe vera: how to grow and use it

Do all aloe vera plants bloom?

Aloe vera: why your plant (not) blooms and what to do with the flower

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Despite reaching the fourth year of age, it may happen that the Aloe vera plant does not bloom. Because? Failure to bloom may indicate that the plant is not in the most suitable place for its growth and maturation. Factors such as too much shade and humidity can hinder its flowering. Furthermore, if the plant is grown in pots inside an apartment it is more difficult for flowering to occur if the plant is not taken care of properly. 



Read also: Aloe Vera: 10 excellent reasons to grow it in pots or in the garden

Tricks to promote the flowering of Aloe vera

Aloe plants most exposed to the sun flower much more easily. The advice is therefore to move your plant outside with the arrival of the warmer months. The best temperatures for flowering are around 21-29 °C (77°F) during the day and no less than 15°C for the night. 

To facilitate the flowering of the plant, you can fertilize the soil in early spring and then in summer, avoiding using formulas with a high phosphorus or super phosphate content which can damage the shrub. Furthermore, decanting every two years can help the plant grow better. The ideal time for transplanting small aloe vera plants is definitely spring. Remember that the vase should preferably be made of terracotta (since thanks to its porosity it holds water better) and at least 60 centimeters deep. 

Read also: Aloe-based supplements have been banned from Europe for these reasons

The properties and (if any) uses of Aloe vera flowers

The characteristic reddish or yellowish flowers of the Aloe vera plant contain substances such as glucose, sucrose and fructose that can favor the so-called cross-fertilization (i.e. between insects of different species). Furthermore, their pollen is rich in amino acids, proteins and carbohydrates, which could be useful in cell and skin regeneration treatments.


However, Aloe vera flowers are not frequently used in the cosmetics sector, unlike the gel obtained from the leaves, considered one of the most versatile and effective natural remedies ever.

Read also: Aloe Vera juice: the amazing benefits and 10 reasons to drink it every day


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