The environment needed
Climate and sun
Aloe vera needs a temperature of at least 1.7 degrees Celsius. In summer, the plant can endure lows from 10–15.5 degrees Celsius. In winter, Aloe vera does not do well in temperatures under 4.4 degrees Celsius. When the temperature drops too low, the plant could be stored inside. This is of course, when talking about a small amount of plants. When having an entire field of Aloe vera, it is not possible to put the plants inside. An option could be, to use plastic to protect the plants against the cold. Aloe vera plants can endure dry air, since - I hope you remember - it is an CAM plant. Aloe vera requires full sun, so it can flower. However, it can adapt to fragmented shade in some areas.
Aloe vera needs a temperature of at least 1.7 degrees Celsius. In summer, the plant can endure lows from 10–15.5 degrees Celsius. In winter, Aloe vera does not do well in temperatures under 4.4 degrees Celsius. When the temperature drops too low, the plant could be stored inside. This is of course, when talking about a small amount of plants. When having an entire field of Aloe vera, it is not possible to put the plants inside. An option could be, to use plastic to protect the plants against the cold. Aloe vera plants can endure dry air, since - I hope you remember - it is an CAM plant. Aloe vera requires full sun, so it can flower. However, it can adapt to fragmented shade in some areas.
Soil
Aloe vera naturally occurs in dry and poor soils. However, it could grow well on several different soil types, as long as they have good drainage. Seriously, I remember having a huge Aloe vera plant a few years ago. I put it outside one day, not knowing it would rain very heavily. After the rainfall, I didn’t bother to poor the abundance of water out. And that’s how my plant died. So, drainage is really important. I’m speaking from experience.
Aloe vera naturally occurs in dry and poor soils. However, it could grow well on several different soil types, as long as they have good drainage. Seriously, I remember having a huge Aloe vera plant a few years ago. I put it outside one day, not knowing it would rain very heavily. After the rainfall, I didn’t bother to poor the abundance of water out. And that’s how my plant died. So, drainage is really important. I’m speaking from experience.
Water
Aloe vera requires little water and, as mentioned before, does not respond well when the soil is too wet. It can tolerate drought, but it is better to give the plant a small amount of water. In spring and summer, you should give the plant water. However, the plant should get the chance to dry completely before it gets watered again. During the winter months, the plant needs less water.
Aloe vera requires little water and, as mentioned before, does not respond well when the soil is too wet. It can tolerate drought, but it is better to give the plant a small amount of water. In spring and summer, you should give the plant water. However, the plant should get the chance to dry completely before it gets watered again. During the winter months, the plant needs less water.
Winter Protection
As I already mentioned, potted plants can be stored indoors to protect the plants from cold. This could be done when the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius. Since Aloe vera consists of a relatively large amount of water, it cannot handle freezing. When looking at outdoor plants, the plants can be protected by draping a blanket over them. This will protect Aloe vera against frosts. Do this when the temperature drops to around 0 degrees Celsius. [homeguides]
As I already mentioned, potted plants can be stored indoors to protect the plants from cold. This could be done when the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius. Since Aloe vera consists of a relatively large amount of water, it cannot handle freezing. When looking at outdoor plants, the plants can be protected by draping a blanket over them. This will protect Aloe vera against frosts. Do this when the temperature drops to around 0 degrees Celsius. [homeguides]
Climatic conditions in The Netherlands
Sun
The Dutch summers are unpredictable. We can have warm summer days, but also wet summer days. For example, when having weeks of ‘weak’ summer days, suddenly there could be a heatwave.
The Dutch summers are unpredictable. We can have warm summer days, but also wet summer days. For example, when having weeks of ‘weak’ summer days, suddenly there could be a heatwave.
Winter
The Dutch winters are just as unpredictable as their summers. In January, it could be 10 degrees Celsius above freezing point, or it could be 10 degrees Celsius below the freezing point. This is a difference of 20 degrees Celsius.
The Dutch winters are just as unpredictable as their summers. In January, it could be 10 degrees Celsius above freezing point, or it could be 10 degrees Celsius below the freezing point. This is a difference of 20 degrees Celsius.
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| Table 1:Averages and Extremes [1981-2010] |
When looking at table 1, the lowest temperature per month is shown. Aloe
vera needs to be protected from cold when the temperature drops below 10
degrees Celsius. This would mean Aloe vera has to be kept indoors for 10 out of
12 months, just when looking at the temperature.
When looking at rainfall, the average rainfall is maximally 1000 mm per
year, according to the WOCT.[woct] This means, naturally, every month we could have a maximum of 83 mm of
rainfall. Table 1 shows the average rainfall per month is below 83 mm.
We could draw the conclusion that the Dutch climatic
conditions are not optimal for Aloe vera. The rainfall is within limits, but
the temperature could cause difficulties.
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