Evidence suggests that Aloe vera originated from the Arabian Peninsula although it is now naturalised across the global. In moderate climates, aloe is often grown as a houseplant and thrives well in containers. It will grow happily in humid conditions as long as the roots aren’t in water. As a xerophyte, this plant will tolerate very high temperatures as well as very cold air temperatures. In warmer climates Aloe can be grown outside in full sun or very light shade, where as it makes a great houseplant in the UK and similar climates. However, with fleshy succulent leaves it can be frost tender and therefore require relocation to somewhere warm in the winter.
The use of Aloe vera in medicinal preparations has been recorded for more than 2000 years. The sap from the leaf of the plant is a thick gel and it is this gel that holds all the healing ingredients Aloe vera is well known for. It is found in a wide range of consumer products including drinks, ointments and cosmetics. There is a debate to the effectiveness and safety of aloe with some modern scientific studies finding a contradictory proposition to its widely known sunburn healing properties. Growing Aloe vera Aloe vera has become very popular in recent years and is available in the form of ready grown plants from many garden suppliers. During warm summer months, pots can be put outside during the day. Don’t forget to bring them in mid-evening before the temperature drops. From seed Aloe vera can be grown from seed although it can take anything from one to six months to germinate. It must be kept warm during this time. It should be started in well-drained trays or pots of warm fresh compost and kept damp. Water gently but regularly. When the plants are large enough to handle, prick out carefully into individual pots and keep warm. Position in a sunny spot, either in a greenhouse or on a windowsill. If you are planting outside choose the sunniest spot in the garden away from draughts and frost pockets. Protect with a cloche or other cover during the night until the plant has become established, and during the next cold season. Remember aloe vera is a tropical plant and likes warm humid weather and plenty of sun. Offsets The quickest way to propagate Aloe is to take the offsets (also known as 'pups') from the main plant and re-pot immediately using new compost and a container that can be positioned in the sun. Offsets should be 3 to 4 inches high and removed carefully so as to minimize damage to the mother plant. All pots and containers should be very well-drained. Add extra sand or gravel to compost before planting. Water immediately after planting and then let the soil dry out almost completely before watering again. Use the offsets as they become large enough to remove from the plant, to produce new plants. Give them away if you have too many, they make perfect little presents. During the summer months, plants should be watered well and then left to dry out completely before watering again. During the winter months, the plant rests and requires very little water. When the soil is completely dry add a cup or two of water. The plant is a succulent so holds a lot of water within the leaves and roots, and will rot if watered too much and too often. Re-potting The plant will need re-potting every year or so, depending on the size of the pot, how well it grows, and also the quality of the original compost. Aloe vera has shallow wide spreading roots and it should be re-potted into a container that is wider but not necessarily deeper than its current one. Always use fresh compost when re-potting and mix in some sand to help with the drainage. Storing Aloe Vera is an evergreen succulent and should be available for use all year round. The gel inside the leaves can be stored and is widely processed in aloe vera preparations. However, in commercial processing, it is usual to use the whole leaf as it is more cost effective. The outer part of the leaf doesn’t have any particular medicinal value. Properties, Uses & Handy Tips A very useful herb to have in the home, the gel inside the leaves consists of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C and even trace amounts of Vitamin B12! It is well known for being one of the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12. It also contains 20 of the 22 amino acids required by the human body and is therefore consider as an excellent aid to healing. Medicinal uses for Aloe Vera The medicinal uses for Aloe vera are well documented and various. One particularly benefit is a treatment for burns. The sap in the leaves can be applied directly to a minor burn. It can aid the body in its healing process and the wound will be much relieved. The sap also relieves pain from stinging insects and plants. Tips
In the UK and similar climates, plants should be kept on a sunny windowsill and kept indoors for most of the year.
An interesting feature of aloe vera plants is that they continue to release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide at night which makes them suitable plants to keep in the bedroom.
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