Project Description
Aloe vera
Medicinal Aloe, Barbados Aloe
This succulent is well-known for its medicinal properties. It is bright green with light spots, and has small spikes on the outer edges of the leaves.
Considered synonymous with Aloe barbadensis.
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Quick Look:
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
Also available from Etsy.
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How to care for Aloe vera
General Care for Aloe vera
Aloe vera is one of the most common succulents. Chances are you have one in your kitchen, or have seen them in your friend’s homes. Many people do not realize that it is a succulent.
Watering
Aloe vera tends to need a bit less water than other succulents. It’s best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
Aloe vera is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20° F (-6.7° C), it’s best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.
Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere).
Pairs Well With
Video
How to Propagate Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a prolific propagator, growing many offsets. While you may think that you should be able to propagate Aloe vera from leaves, this is not the case, and you may find your leaves rotting.
Offsets
Aloe vera will produce small offsets, sprouting up around the base of the plant. Simply pull these up and allow the offsets to dry for one to two days before replanting.
Uses
Aloe vera can be used in many different ways. For minor burns or cuts, you can cut or break off a leaf and squeeze out the gel inside, rubbing it on the affected area.
You can purchase Aloe vera cuttings to use for burn applications here.
Aloe vera juice contains many vitamins and minerals, which aid in digestion and help support the immune system.
Note: Always consult a physician before ingesting any plants. While Aloe vera is generally considered non-toxic, some people may experience adverse reactions. See more about poisonous succulents here.
Commonly Asked Questions
Question
I bought this Aloe Vera several months ago, and it’s been gradually getting worse since I got it. It looks like it needs more water to me, but it doesn’t perk up at all after I water it. I have some different Aloe Vera in another room that are doing fine, so I moved this one into the room with those. It hasn’t helped at all. What can I do?
Answer
Aloe Vera grow in cooler temperatures, so if you’re in the winter right now, it will likely be growing. Since it’s indoors, there’s a couple possibilities it is looking this way.
The first is the lack of sun. Do you have it near a South or East-facing window? Aloes thrive in morning sun, and if it’s not getting much, it can begin to lose its color. A grow light can be really handy for winter months like these, where you have to keep your plants indoors.
Be sure that your plant is in well-draining soil; you want the soil to drain quickly after you water your plant. Color changes in succulents are often a sign that they need more water, or are getting too much. If the leaves are dull and limp, it’s a sign it needs more water.
When watering, remember be sure to completely soak the soil until water runs out the bottom of your planter, and then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
It’s important to remember that when making any adjustments gradual changes are best. You won’t see an immediate change and that’s ok. Keep at it and you should see an improvement soon!
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