Aloe Vera Plants (Aloe Barbadensis) are believed to be native to Africa, and are best known for the medicinal uses of the gel-like sap inside their leaves.
They are easy to grow indoors as house plants, as well as outdoors in the garden or landscape.
Aloe Vera Plants belong to the Liliaceae family, and can be planted year round in USDA zones 9 through 11. When planted outdoors in a container, these plants can be brought indoors during the winter if you live in a cold climate.
Aloe plants can grow up to two feet tall, with a spread of two to three feet wide. Their spiny edged, fleshy green leaves grow in a rosette on a short stem.
Aloe is a versatile plant that can be grown in containers, or planted outside as an accent or ground cover in the garden or landscape.
Flowers bloom on mature aloe plants and appear several times during the plants life. The flowers are red or yellow-orange in clusters, densely packed on a spike that reaches up to 3 feet in height.
Aloe plants are easy to grow and care for when potted as houseplants, and are handy to have around the house.
The gel-like sap inside their leaves can be applied topically to the skin to treat minor burns, sunburns, scratches, and abrasions.
It can also be used to treat outbreaks of acne - many over the counter acne medications list aloe as an ingredient.
The gel can also be used in desserts, yogurt, and beverages.
Lighting - Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. A sunny window is an ideal location.
Temperature – Room temperature should be 65-78° F. Keep away from hot or cold drafts.
Soil & Fertilizer – Use a cactus soil mixture, or a commercial potting soil with perlite or sand added into the mix. Feed once a month with an all purpose, liquid fertilizer for strength.
Watering – Aloe Vera Plants are drought-tolerant, and can be watered once every two to three weeks. Be sure to allow soil to dry out completely between watering.
Aloe plants are easily propagated by removing the offsets (also known as pups) that are produced at the base of the mature plant (wait until they are at least 2 inches tall).
Periodically check to ensure that the plants' roots are not becoming root-bound in the pot. Repot aloe plants when the roots are becoming too much for its existing pot. Keep in mind: being a little root bound will not affect the aloe vera plants' health.
Shoots that appear can be divided from the mother plant and repotted.
Aloe plants are drought-tolerant and can be planted year round in hardiness zones 9-11. Aloe can be planted outdoors in a container, used as a border, or mass planted as ground cover. This plant will thrive when planted in rich, organic soil with good drainage.
Overwatering is one of the typical mistakes when caring for aloe plants. If soil is constantly wet, root rot and mushy leaves can result. Be aware that root rot can give rise to bacteria and fungus, causing decay within the interior of the plant. Advanced root rot and decay cannot be treated.
Aloe leaves have a tendency to bend and break easily. This could be a sign that your aloe plant is not getting enough light to grow healthy leaves. This is easily remedied by moving your plant to a bright location. You can also use a fluorescent light to increase the light your plant receives.