Scientific name: Aloe vera
Common name: Medicinal Aloe, Barbados Aloe
This plant is well-known for its healing powers. It is bright green with light spots, and has small spikes on the outer edges of the leaves.
Quick Look at Aloe vera
- Full sun to partial shade
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows up to 24″ (61 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 24″ (61 cm) wide - Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagation by offsets
- Generally non-toxic to humans.
Can be toxic to animals. - Summer Dormant
General Care for Aloe vera
It is one of the most common Succulents. Have you seen one in your friend’s home or in your kitchen?. Many people don’t realize that it is a plant.
Watering
Other Succulents need more water than Aloe Vera. The “soak and dry” method will allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
If you live in a zone that gets colder than 20 F, it’s best to plant this plant in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in both full and partial sun.
You can plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, place a room that gets a lot of sunlight near a southern-facing window.
Video
How to Propagate Aloe vera
The propagator is growing many offsets. You may think that you can grow Aloe Vera from leaves, but this is not the case, and you may find your leaves rotting.
Offsets
There will be small offsets around the base of the plant. Pull these up and allow the offsets to dry for a day or two.
Uses
It can be used in many different ways. For minor burns or cuts, you can cut a leaf and squeeze out the gel inside, rubbing it on the affected area.
There is a place where you can buy Aloe Vera cuttings to use for burn applications.
The immune system is supported by the vitamins and minerals contained in the juice ofAloe Vera.
Before eating any plants, consult a physician. Some people may experience adverse reactions toAloe Vera. There’s more about poisonous plants here.
