Aloe Vera Plant Overview
- Appearance: Succulent with thick, fleshy, green leaves containing gel, serrated edges. Can grow up to 24–39 inches tall.
- Native Range: Arabian Peninsula, now cultivated globally.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight (e.g., south/west-facing windows). Tolerates some direct sun but may scorch.
- Watering: Drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently (every 2–3 weeks); let soil dry completely between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining mix (e.g., cactus soil with perlite/pumice).
- Temperature: Thrives in 55–80°F (13–27°C); protect from frost.
- Fertilizer: Feed sparingly (once a year in spring) with diluted, balanced fertilizer.
Propagation
- Offsets (“Pups”): Separate pups (3–4 inches tall) from the parent plant using a clean knife. Let dry 1–2 days before replanting.
Uses
- Gel: Soothes burns, sunburns, skin irritations. Moisturizes dry skin/hair. Used in cosmetics (lotions, creams).
- Caution: Patch-test for allergies. Avoid ingesting latex (yellow sap near leaf skin), which can be toxic.
Toxicity
- Pets/Children: Toxic if ingested (vomiting, lethargy). Keep out of reach.
Common Issues
- Overwatering: Leads to root rot (mushy, brown leaves). Ensure pots have drainage holes.
- Pests: Mealybugs, spider mites. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Leaf Discoloration: Brown tips (too much sun); drooping leaves (overwatering).
Harvesting Gel
- Cut a mature outer leaf at the base.
- Drain yellow latex for 10–15 minutes.
- Slice open leaf and scoop gel.
- Store unused gel in the fridge (1–2 weeks).
Benefits
- Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties.
- May aid wound healing, acne, and dry skin (studies ongoing).
Additional Notes
- Flowers: Tall spikes with yellow/red blooms (rare indoors).
- Lifespan: Perennial; lives years with proper care.
- Pruning/Repotting: Remove dead leaves; repot when root-bound.
Aloe vera is a low-maintenance, versatile plant ideal for both home remedies and ornamental purposes.
