The Aloe family is found all over Africa with many species indigenous to South Africa. Most
Aloes are drought-tolerant, which makes them a great Waterwise plant.
Aloe plants come in many varieties, with some well-suited for indoor growth. One of the
more common potted types, the Aloe vera, has an understated elegance with characteristic
fleshy cool-green leaves making it perfect for creating a beautifully trendy decoration in a
vase. You can find a selection of Aloe’s at your nearest Garden Centre, that you could use to create a centre-piece that will be sure to get the guests at your next dinner party talking.
What you will need:
1. Aloe plant
2. Glass vase
3. River sand (coarse sand)
4. Decorative stones (depending on your preference these could be natural stones,
gemstones or decorative glass stones)
How to make your decorative Aloe in a vase table centre-piece:
Step 1: Add some sand in the bottom of the vase
Step 2: Place a few of the stones on top of the sand
Step 3: Place the Aloe plant in the vase
Step 3: Add more sand and stones until the desired look is created
Do not add water!
How to care for your Aloe:
Aloes are low maintenance plants that require little care.
Whilst in the vase, do not water. Place Aloe plants near a sunny window where they receive plenty of indirect sunlight. Too much bright, direct sunlight can brown the leaves. Rotate the vase once or twice a week so that all sides of the Aloe receive equal lighting.
Your Aloe will not be able to survive indefinitely in this decorative vase jar. After a few
weeks you will need to pot your Aloe.
Potting your Aloe
Plant your Aloe plant in a pot that contains at least one large drainage hole and is 5 to 8
cm’s larger in diameter than the base of the aloe plant. Drainage is important because too
much moisture around the roots can cause root rot. Plant the Aloe in a soil mixture
formulated for cacti and other succulents, or combine equal parts potting soil and coarse
sand to make your own mix.
When to Water
Water the Aloe plant only when the soil has dried out completely, or every few weeks.
Pour water onto the soil near the base of the plant until the soil is thoroughly wet. Allow the pot to fully drain for about 30 minutes, and then promptly empty any excess water that has drained into the pot & drip tray.
Fertilizing the Plant
Aloe plants generally do not require fertilizer, although applying it on occasion can help a
plant that doesn't seem as healthy as it should. Fertilize the plant in mid-spring by diluting with water a liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants.
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