How Can Aloe Vera Benefit Growing Plants?
Aloe in a Historic Context
The ancient Egyptians referred to Aloe as the plant of immortality. They had a wide range of uses from human health to textile manufacturing all the way to mummification. Under the reign of the Roman emperor Nero around 50 B.C, it was recommended for the treatment of various human ailments. Romans used aloe to treat wounds, gastrointestinal discomfort, gingivitis, skin irritation, sunburn, acne and hair loss. Humans have long recognized the power of this plant.
What is Aloe Used for Today?
Aloe contains auxin and gibberellin hormones that act as a natural rooting stimulant. Gardeners and production growers can use fresh aloe in place of a conventional rooting hormone for propagation. Applying aloe after a transplant reduces shock and helps initiate new root growth.
As a foliar spray in the vegetative and early flowing phase, aloe extract can repel insects and improve resistance to drought and heat stress.
Aloe contains saponins that protect plants from detrimental microbes, yeast and mold. In the soil, saponins lower the surface tension of water which help it stay moist longer. It can be a major benefit if your soil is slow to take on moisture like ours in the foothills of Colorado.
As a plant nutrient, aloe provides 8 amino acids. It contains many minerals like Potassium, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Iron, Boron, Molybdenum, and Selenium. These major and trace elements complement most base fertilizers. They are often missing or insufficient in continuously cultivated land. Aloe also has 14 enzymes that work tirelessly to chelate nutrients and maintain favorable root conditions. Additionally, aloe contains vitamin B1 which helps plants manage stress, stimulates root growth and supports enzyme functions during transition periods. Its folic acid is crucial for chlorophyll synthesis. This enables dark green foliage and prolific growth.
How to Harness the Benefits of Aloe
To make a drench or foliar spray simply harvest 2-4 healthy blades and score each blade 6-10 times down the center with a knife or razor blade. Set them wide end facing down into a gallon of room temperature water then wait a minimum of half an hour. The solution will become soapy and slightly yellow/green when it becomes saturated. It helps to stir a few times to release the gel. You can strain the solution if spraying or just pull out the blades before drenching. It's best to apply immediately. The pulp makes a great addition to your compost or can be top dressed like a mulch over living soil. For the health of your aloe plants try not to harvest more than 30% of the total biomass at one time. We keep several growing year round to ensure a constant supply.
Products that Contain Aloe Vera
Biobizz spent 11 years developing Acti-Vera, a shelf stable fermented aloe extract that brings all of the same benefits of live extract in a ready to use concentrate form. For foliar spray we recommend mixing 30ml per gallon of water and spraying in the evening or low light conditions. A drench rate for rooted cuttings through mid season would be 6-12ml per gallon. We have seen immediate results applying Acti-Vera to a wide range of food crops and flowers. It's truly one of Biobizz's great multi tools. Acti-Vera promotes overall plant health and soil longevity.