Aloe Plant Growth and Care

Aloe Vera plants grow in drier tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world that are warm, and frost-free.

A known anti-inflammatory, aloe vera gel has long been used for skin conditions such as eczema, as well as minor cuts and burns.  The beneficial properties of aloe vera may be attributed, at least in part, to mucopolysaccharides (also known as Glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs, which are long and unbranched polysaccharides made up of repeating disaccharide units) that are to be found in the inner gel of the leaf, especially acemannan.

Such a prized plant (of all aloe plants, aloe barbadensis miller, or aloe vera, is the most treasured) can be easily grown in frost-free climates year-round, outdoors.  Indoors, it can be grown too (but never achieve the better growth and nutritional balance as outdoor plant).

For outdoor cultivation the plant requires a sandy, well-drained soil.  (There is a saying in the gardening world, "Nobody wants their feet standing in a puddle!")  Allow to dry completely before the next watering.  As with most plants, too much watering can "drown" the plant by keeping oxygen away from the roots, which promotes root rot.  (Too much surface water will also promote stem rot.)

Aloe vera plants are propagated by the "pups" (small aloe vera shoots that grow near the base of the mother plant).  Before separating them from the mother plant, allow the aloe pups to grow 3 to 4 inches so that they will develop enough of their own roots system for healthy, strong growth.

Because of the high water content of aloe, they are VERY sensitive to frost.  For this reason, when grown outside, they should be planted in full sun or light shade.

Aloe plants have a shallow - and thin - root system.

During winter months your plants will go dormant, using very little water.  In colder areas the leaves may also darken and change color shade.

Aloe vera is a rather easy to grow plant. It can be grown indoors almost anywhere and outdoors in select climates. Aloe vera plants are prized for the gel substance inside their leaves which is used for many types of medicinal purposes (medicinal aloe vera). Growing aloe vera plants can be something anyone can do and it lets a person keep an aloe plant on hand for whenever they need a little aloe vera gel.

Aloe vera are grown naturally in Africa and the Mediterranean, so they are used to a warm growing climate. In areas that experience cold winters aloe vera can be kept as a houseplant or in a pot outside that is brought inside during the cold months. There are almost 250 species of aloe vera, but generally all have the same look. Aloe vera is green, which can vary from dark to a yellowish-green. Some aloe have white markings on them as well. If kept in a warm environment aloe can even produce yellow or orange flowers, but this is rare for aloe plants that are kept in the house.

Taking care of aloe vera plant is quite simple. They do not need a large amount of care and if a person forgets to water them it is actually a good thing for this plant. Aloe vera needs soil that is well drained, like a light mix of part potting soil and another medium. It should be kept in a sunny location when inside and in sun or partial sun outside.

The main problem with growing aloe is usually over watering. It is easy to tell when the plant has had too much water as it becomes dull in color and the leaves become very soft. If this happens the plant should be allowed to dry out and then watered lightly. This should cure the problem.

We do not respond to e-mails requesting advice on identifying aloe vera plants, nor instructions on plant growth and care.  For such, contact your local plant nursery or garden shop.

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