When the aloe vera blooms, it's not just decorative. The flowers as well as the leaves contain important substances that can be used for skin care, among other things.
When does aloe vera bloom?
Aloe Vera blooms from around the third year after being separated from the mother plant. However, depending on the conditions at the location and care, flowering may be delayed. When the aloe vera starts to bloom also depends on these factors. If the overwintering is cool but frost-free, the formation of the inflorescences begins, so that the first rudiments can already be visible in December. However, due to slow growth, the flower is not fully mature until early spring.
Appearance of the flower
The Aloe Vera flowers are modified leaves of the succulent plant. They grow out of the middle of the plant and usually reach a significantly greater length than the rest of the leaves. Formed as an upright panicle, the flower can be yellow, orange or red.
Tip:
If the plant dies after flowering, in most cases it is not due to errors in care or an unsuitable location. Instead, there is often a mix-up. Because the agave is very similar to the aloe in the appearance of both the leaves and the flowers.
Lack of flowering – causes
If the aloe vera does not bloom even after several years, various factors may be responsible. These include:
- wrong wintering
- missing soil volume
- inadequate nutrient supply
- location too dark
- too high humidity
Since these influences can cause flowering to fail, site conditions and care should be carefully checked. Cool wintering at 10 to 15 degrees Celsius has a stimulating effect on flower formation. In order for these to grow and open, the plant needs at least 15 to 40 liters of soil. Repotting every two years is also recommended to ensure the nutrient supply. In addition, the aloe vera should not be placed in rooms with high humidity, such as the bathroom and kitchen, or too far from a window in winter.
Ingredients of the flowers
Just like the leaves of aloe vera, the flower also contains valuable substances. These include:
- Mucopolysaccharides
- Sugars, such as glucose, fructose and sucrose
- Amino acids
- Carbohydrates
- secondary plant substances
All of these substances are crucial for nourishing the skin as well as the body. This results in the possible uses of the flowers.
Use of the flower
Just like the leaves of aloe vera, the flowers can also be used for skin care. To do this, you can, for example, grind them with a mortar and pestle or put them in a blender. Used in creams and soaps, they provide the skin with moisture and nourishing substances. The pieces of petals can also be eaten in smoothies, salads or yogurt and have an effect from the inside.
Tip:
It should be noted, however, that the inside of the green aloe leaves has significantly more volume and is therefore much easier to use for both skin care and nutrition.