Growing Aloe Vera
Succulents
Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant has a well established reputation as having medicinal properties. Aloes are semi-tropical plants and will not tolerate freezing conditions. However with sufficient light they do well indoors. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is just one of over 250 species of aloe, most of them endemic to Africa. It is a short, thick-stemmed plant with fleshy leaves. It is classed as a succulent.
The sap of the aloe vera is a thick, mucilaginous gel. Aloe vera has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating properties. The gel brings almost instant relief to minor irritations. Snap off a piece of a leaf and apply the gel to the affected area. It has a cooling, soothing effect on insect bites, minor burns and rashes. The juice from the aloe is also used in a variety of commercial preparations.
In warm climates, aloe vera can be grown outdoors in full sun or light shade. They like a well-drained soil and reasonably fertile soil. Too wet a soil mix will result in rotting. In hot climates, a dappled shady position is to be preferred as full sun can result in burnt leaves.
Being a succulent, a large amount of water is stored in the leaves and root system. During winter months, watering should be minimal as the plant will utilise very little water at this time. Allow the plant to completely dry out between waterings. In summer, soak the plant thoroughly then allow to dry out again.
The root system of aloes is shallow and spreading so plant in a wide pot rather than a deep one. Several cm of gravel in the base of the pot will provide good drainage. Fill the pot with a commercial cacti mix soil or add extra perlite, grit or coarse sand to a normal potting mix. The plant can be fed annually with a half strength bloom type fertiliser.
Many of the aloe plants sold in nurseries will be hybrids. As such, they are tough and hardy. Occasional feedings with dolomite will benefit your aloe plant. In the absence of dolomite, 1/2 a teaspoon of Epsom salts and 1 teaspoon of lime can be mixed and applied once a month over the wet season. This helps maximise levels of calcium and magnesium.
Aloes are an easy-care plant. The only real problems that may be encountered when growing aloes are rotting by over-watering and infestation by ants. Ants carry aphids into the crevices of the plant. This will cause the plant to rot.
Aloes produce new, small plants (offsets) round the base of mature plants. Once these are several inches high, they can be carefully removed and potted on in freely draining, lightly packed sandy soil to become new plants. Aloes can also be grown from seed.
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Comments
Very informative. I have many aloe vera plants.
Thanks Lynsuz. Did you see the spider web on this? Mine has them too.
I've used this great plant for years to help heal small wounds. When used they actually help prevent scaring and works really well on small children due to the fact that there is no pain involved in the application of the liquid from the leaves. Also, I've used the liquid gels that are available. Simply cut or poke a small hole in the capsule and then squeeze the liquid out onto the cut or wound. It works every time.
Great information in your article. Thanks for sharing.
Steve
Thanks to your article, I might be able to save my aloe vera plants that may have been over-watered.
Thanks folks for commenting. MoGo - I'm always over-watering and killing my plants with kindness.
Judy: You are spot on with the information of the aloe vera plants. There are absolutely amazing. Right after Hurricane Katrina, before a drug store much less a doctor was avilable I had a nasty burn on my hand that in normal conditions definitely would have needed medical attention. My aloe plant had survived and I really do not know what I would have done without it. Even the scar has faded away. Thank you for a great article on aloe vera plants.
I just cannot imagine living through a hurricane. All you folks who go through such traumas have my undying admiration.
Yes saw the web Judy, spiders like my plants too. Maybe they benefit the plant by eating any bugs.
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