Aloe Vera Plants

Aloe Vera plants are native to the Mediterranean region and Africa. There are around 250 species ranging in size from a few inches to a few feet. Aloe is hardy in zones 9 to 11. In cold climates it can be grown as a house plant year round, or grown in a container and moved indoors in the winter.

Aloe Vera Plants Growing Conditions

The plants like a very well drained potting mix, containing sand, perlite, pumice or sharp grit. Indoors, place your plant in bright light. If you would like to move it outdoors in the summer months, do so gradually, placing it at first in dappled light. Remember that Aloe cannot stand any frost, and help your plant readjust to indoor conditions by bringing it inside before nights get cool in autumn. Outdoors, Aloe can grown in full sun to partial shade.

Cultivation

The most common issue with care is watering. Like most succulent plants, they have limited water requirements. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings, then drench pot so that water runs out the drainage holes in the bottom into a saucer, and drain. In the winter months plants take up less moisture, so be especially careful not to over water. If your Aloe receives enough light to bloom, remove the flower stalk when it is finished blooming.

Feed Aloes with diluted plant food in spring. An organic kelp fertilizer or worm castings are good choices for indoor use. It seldom has problems with pests or diseases. They can be grown from seed, or propagated by removing the offshoots produced by the parent plant. Small plants are easy to find at garden centers and discount stores.

Uses of Aloe Vera Plants

The succulent juice inside of the leaves is harvested to make a gel or liquid to treat gastrointestinal problems. Externally it is applied to minor cuts, burns and insect bites and used to sooth chapped or sunburned skin. It is an ingredient in many commercial lotions, hair products and cosmetics. As with all medicinal plants, use with caution. Aloe can have a laxative effect or cause a rash in some individuals. To use at home, cut open a leaf and dab the juices on the affected area.

In hot climates Aloe is used in masses in the landscape. It naturally forms colonies and the distinctive pointed leaves and tall flower stalks can be quite showy. Pair with other xerophytic plants such as agave, yucca, and cactus. Plant one to two feet apart.