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.