Aloe Vera Care

Aloe Vera is the perfect combination of practical and beautiful. This medicinal succulent is nearly indestructible and provides soothing gel for minor burns and cuts. ## Basic Care **Light:** Bright light is essential. Can handle some direct sun but prefers bright, indirect light. **Water:** The #1 rule: less is more. Water deeply but allow soil to dry completely between waterings. **Soil:** Must drain extremely well. Use cactus/succulent potting mix. **Temperature:** Prefers warm conditions but can tolerate cooler temperatures briefly. ## Medicinal Uses Aloe vera gel has been used for thousands of years: - **Burns**: Soothes minor burns and sunburns - **Cuts**: Helps with healing small wounds - **Skin care**: Moisturizes and calms irritated skin - **Preparation**: Cut mature outer leaf, extract clear gel **Safety note**: Only use clear gel, avoid yellow latex which can be irritating. ## Propagation and Pups Mature aloe plants produce "pups" (baby plants): 1. Wait until pups are 2-3 inches tall 2. Carefully remove from soil 3. Separate pups with their own roots 4. Plant in well-draining soil 5. Wait a few days before first watering ## Common Varieties - **Aloe barbadensis miller**: True medicinal aloe - **Aloe aristata**: Lace aloe, smaller with white spots - **Aloe brevifolia**: Short-leaved aloe, very compact - **Aloe haworthioides**: Resembles haworthia, very small ## Historical Significance - Used by ancient Egyptians as "plant of immortality" - Cleopatra reportedly used aloe in her beauty routine - Alexander the Great conquered islands to secure aloe for his army - Still used in modern cosmetics and medicine ## Warning Signs **Overwatering symptoms**: - Soft, mushy leaves - Brown or black spots - Bad smell from soil - Leaves turning yellow If you see these signs, stop watering immediately and check for root rot.