**Albuquerque Aloe: Altitude Sun Burning Summer Savings?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe New Mexico sun doesn’t play around. It’s a relentless, high-altitude furnace that can turn even the most seasoned desert dweller into a lobster in minutes. But there’s a secret weapon, a green ally readily available, that can soothe that fiery burn and offer a touch of relief: aloe vera.
This article will focus on sourcing, using, and even growing aloe vera in Albuquerque, New Mexico to combat intense sun exposure during the summer months, with how-to instructions tailored to the unique high-altitude desert climate; we’ll cover specific Albuquerque nurseries, DIY aloe vera gel recipes optimized for sunburn relief, and tips for successfully cultivating aloe in Albuquerque gardens, focusing on water conservation and sun protection for the plant itself.
Finding the right aloe vera plant in Albuquerque is easier than you might think. Several local nurseries specialize in drought-tolerant plants, making them ideal starting points.
Payne’s Nursery (multiple locations) is a reliable option, offering a variety of aloe species and knowledgeable staff who can advise on care. They often carry Aloe barbadensis, the most common and effective variety for sunburn relief.
Rehm’s Nursery & Greenhouse is another excellent choice, known for its diverse selection of succulents and cacti, including various aloe types.
Plants of the Southwest (formerly Santa Fe Greenhouses, but they ship to Albuquerque) is a great online resource with a wide selection of native and adapted plants, including aloe.
When selecting an aloe plant, look for healthy, plump leaves. Avoid plants with brown spots or signs of damage.
The size of the plant depends on your needs. A smaller plant is fine for occasional use, while a larger, more mature plant will provide a more consistent supply of gel.
Once you have your aloe vera, extracting the gel is simple. First, cut off a mature leaf close to the base of the plant.
Next, stand the leaf upright in a container to allow the yellow aloin (a latex substance) to drain out. This substance can be irritating to the skin, so it’s important to remove it.
Then, using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the outer skin of the leaf, revealing the clear gel inside.
Scoop out the gel with a spoon and transfer it to a blender. Blend until smooth.
For a basic sunburn relief gel, you can use the aloe vera gel as is. However, you can enhance its properties with a few additions.
Cucumber: Adding a few slices of cucumber to the blender will provide extra cooling and hydration.
Green Tea: Brew a strong cup of green tea, let it cool, and add a tablespoon or two to the aloe vera gel. Green tea contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.
Lavender Essential Oil: A drop or two of lavender essential oil can add a soothing fragrance and enhance the calming effect. Be sure to use pure, therapeutic-grade essential oil.
Store your homemade aloe vera gel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Growing aloe vera in Albuquerque presents unique challenges due to the high altitude and intense sun. The key is to mimic the plant’s natural habitat as closely as possible.
Aloe vera thrives in well-draining soil. Amend your garden soil with sand and perlite to improve drainage.
A common mistake is overwatering. Aloe vera is a succulent and stores water in its leaves. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
In Albuquerque’s intense sun, aloe vera can actually get sunburned. Provide some afternoon shade, especially during the hottest months of July and August.
A south-facing patio with partial shade is an ideal location. You can also use shade cloth to protect your plants.
Aloe vera is not cold-hardy and needs protection from freezing temperatures. In Albuquerque, this means bringing your aloe vera indoors during the winter months.
A sunny windowsill is a good spot. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period.
One of the biggest challenges in Albuquerque gardening is water conservation. Aloe vera is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs some water, especially when young.
Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing water loss through evaporation.
Mulch around your aloe vera plants with gravel or rocks to help retain moisture in the soil.
Consider grouping your aloe vera plants with other drought-tolerant succulents and cacti to create a water-wise garden.
Fertilizing aloe vera is not essential, but it can promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Apply fertilizer sparingly, only during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during the winter dormancy period.
A common mistake is using too much fertilizer, which can burn the roots. Less is more when it comes to fertilizing aloe vera.
Propagating aloe vera is a great way to expand your collection and share your plants with friends. Aloe vera produces “pups” or offsets that can be easily separated from the mother plant.
Carefully dig up the pup, making sure to include some roots. Plant the pup in its own pot with well-draining soil.
Water sparingly until the pup establishes itself. It may take a few weeks for the pup to start growing.
Another method of propagation is through leaf cuttings, although this is less reliable. Allow the cut end to callous over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
Aloe vera is generally pest-resistant, but it can occasionally be affected by mealybugs or scale. These pests can be removed by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Fungal diseases can also be a problem, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around your plants and avoid overwatering.
If you notice signs of fungal disease, treat with a fungicide specifically formulated for succulents.
Growing aloe vera in Albuquerque is a rewarding experience that provides you with a natural remedy for sunburns and other skin irritations. By following these tips, you can successfully cultivate aloe vera in your high-altitude desert garden and enjoy its many benefits. Remember to protect your plants from the intense sun and freezing temperatures, and to water sparingly. With a little care, your aloe vera plants will thrive in Albuquerque’s unique climate.