Aloe Vera Plants

Aloe Vera plants, Aloe barbadensis, are perennial plants in the Lily family that are known for their healing and soothing properties. It is an old tradition that is still widely followed to keep a pot of aloe on the kitchen windowsill in case of burns. The thick, succulent leaves are pale grayish-green with lighter spots and points along the edges. The center of each leaf is filled with a viscous gel. The plants are vase-shaped, and spread by shallow roots. While Aloe seldom blooms as a houseplant, when grown outdoors or in a warm green house, it will produce tall stalks of one inch long green, white, yellow or orange flowers.

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.

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. 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.

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 the 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.

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.