Altruistic Aloe Growing and Care Instructions

Growing and Care Information
-Place compressed germination disk inside the colored base of the terrarium and slowly add 1 cup of water.  The germination disk will absorb the water and expand into your growing medium.
-Use a plastic spoon to aerate and mix the soil up.  Add up to another ¼ cup of water if necessary to create moist soil.
-Gently push down the growing medium and smooth. The growing medium should be well moistened but there should not be any pockets of standing water.
-Spread your seeds on the surface of the soil.  Gently push them into the soil about 1/8” and cover with the medium.
-Place a small layer of gravel on top of the area and press into the soil.  You must cover them with gravel, as their top root often points into the air when they sprout.  The gravel holds the tap root in place, so the seedling can grow.
-Put the top on your planted greenhouse and place it in bright, indirect light where it will not be easily knocked over.
-The seeds will sprout in one to two months.
-Keep top of container on until the leaves start hitting the sides and top if you want slower growth. You will need to add water every month or two.
-If you want them to grow quickly, remove top two weeks after sprouting and water every three weeks.
-They will tolerate a variety of light and water conditions but thrive in full sun.  You can tell when they need water as their leaves will be less fleshy and the container will be much lighter.
-Little plantlets will start to grow from your mature plants.  You can gently remove them and root in water or plant and keep moist to start new plants!

Harvesting and Using Aloe 
Extract Aloe’s healing gel from the lower leaves that are the fleshiest.  Once cut open, the leaf will naturally close itself and can be stored in a bag in the refrigerator for later use.  You can apply the sap directly to burns, scrapes, or rashes.

Altruistic Aloe FAQ
How long will my Aloe plants take to sprout? 
Your Aloe seeds take one to two months to sprout.

What is the process for sprouting my Aloe?
First, hydrate the soil with the amount of water recommended in the instructions. You can do this right in the base (the green, shorter piece) of your Seed Square. Once hydrated, aerate your soil and then smooth out the top. Place or sprinkle your Aloe seed where you would like and cover it with 1/8” of soil. Place a thin layer of gravel on top of the area and gently press into the soil. Place the clear top on your Seed Square. (The holes should be at the top). Cover both holes with a small piece of clear tape. This will prevent any moisture from escaping. You can leave the tape on or remove the tape 1-2 months after germination.

What is the gravel for?  
The gravel serves a very important purpose, and you must cover your seeds with gravel, as their top root often points upwards into the air when they sprout. The gravel holds the tap root in place, so the seedling can grow. It will keep your seedlings in place during watering and prevent soil compaction as well. The gravel also reduces fungal growth.

How often do I have to water my Aloe Seed Square?
Once sprouted, water your Aloe sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Typically, watering every 1-2 months if your Seed Square top is on and every 2-3 weeks if the Seed Square top is off is sufficient.

Can I propagate my Aloe?
Yes! Aloe can be propagated from offsets. Carefully remove the offsets from the parent plant and plant them in their own section of the terrarium or another pot.

Why are my Aloe leaves turning brown?
Aloe leaves can turn brown due to overwatering, underwatering, or excessive direct sunlight. Be sure to water properly and give your Aloe adequate sunlight. You can use sharp scissors or pruners to remove dead leaves.

How do I use the lid as a pedestal?
If you decide you would like for your Aloe to grow faster once they have sprouted, you can remove the top and use it as a pedestal for your Seed Square. To use the lid as a pedestal, remove the lid from the planter and place it on a steady surface with the holes being at the top. Then, simply place your planter on top of the lid. You will feel the planter fit into place over the top of the pedestal. Once you remove the top, your Aloe will need to be watered every 1-2 weeks.

Please email us at service@uniquegardener.com if you have any questions or experience any issues with this item.  Please email us directly and do not contact the reseller you purchased this from.