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Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis
Chinese Aloe, Indian Aloe, True Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn Aloe, First Aid PlantFamily: Asphodelaceae (Formerly:Xanthorrhoeaceae)
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Origin: Arabian Peninsula
The flowers of Aloe vera are yellow, orange, or red and bloom in summer. The plants are noted for their medicinal properties and have been used for centuries for treating skin diseases. Aloe vera has long been used in folk medicine for ethnomedical properties and is found in many cultures. Aloe vera also has cosmetic applications, being added to skin lotions, soap, and other beauty products.
Aloe vera is an easy-to-grow plant, requiring full sun and moderate water. A small shrub, it grows to a height of 2-5 feet with sharp, succulent leaves. It is a low-maintenance plant, needing minimal care across all climates. Aloe vera is hardy in USDA zones 8-11
When grown in a pot, Aloe vera requires infrequent watering and can tolerate short intervals of drought. The soil should be well-drained and allowed to dry out between waterings. Fertilizers aren't always necessary, but if added, should be applied to the soil once every few months. Winter care for Aloe vera should include protection from extreme cold weather and a slightly reduced watering schedule. To further protect from winter temperatures, you can move potted plants indoors, keeping in a sunny window or under grow lights.
Similar plants:
- Aloe africana (African Aloe)
- Aloe arborescens (Tree Aloe, Krantz Aloe, Torch Aloe)
- Aloe aristata (Torch Plant, Lace Aloe)
- Aloe erinacea, Aloe melanacantha var. erinacea (Goree)
- Aloe haworthioides (Haworthia-leaved Aloe)
- Aloe juvenna (Tiger Tooth Aloe)
- Aloe marlothii (Mountain Aloe, Flat-flowered Aloe )
- Aloe plicatilis (Fan Aloe)
- Aloe sp. (Aloe)
- Aloe speciosa (Tilt-head Aloe)
