How to Grow Aloe Plant - Care and Maintenance
Ahhh, aloe! It's cool. It's soothing. It moisturizes. You will find it in
topical medicines, lotions a soaps, and more. But, where does it come from?
Why, the Aloe plant, of course!
Native to Africa, there are hundreds of varieties of Aloe plants. What variety
is best known? ......... Aloe Vera. Depending upon variety, these plants
can grow as small as an inch. The most common indoor varieties grow several
inches to a foot tall.
Aloe plants are often grown as indoor houseplants. They are easy to grow,
yet slow growing. They look great in containers by themselves, or mixed in
with other houseplants. The thick, heavy leaves are filled with sap.
And yes, you can use the soothing sap (oil or juice) in them.
Did you Know? The sap from some aloe plants is edible. It is used
in teas and beverages. However, some varieties are poisonous. Do not use
the sap for internal consumption, if you do not know which ones can be consumed
internally.
Other Names: Aloe Vera plants are also called Burn Plants
Propagating Aloe Vera:
Aloe is propagated by offshoots from the mother plant. Simply remove
baby plants, and repot. This is by far, the most common prpagation method.
The seeds from flowers can also be harvested for propagation.
How to Grow Aloe Plants:
Aloe makes is an easy to grow indoor houseplant, Caring for the plants is
a cinch.
Select a pot or container that fits your room decor. It should have holes
in the bottom for good drainage.
Aloe plants prefer full sun, but will tolerate a light shade.
Plant roots spread wide, but are shallow in the soil. Water thoroughly. Then,
allow the soil to dry between waterings.If your plant gets large, you may
want to tie it to a small stake, to keep it from falling over.
Our only complaint about this great plant, is it can become top heavy and
fall over, uprooting itself from the soil. Decorative staking is helpful.
Fertilize once a month for best growth. Or, use fertilizer spikes.
If you are going to grow Aloe plants outdoors, treat it as an annual. It
will succumb to frost and freeze. Protect it, or bring it indoors in cold
weather.
Medicinal Uses of Aloe:
The medicinal benefits of Aloe have been known for ages. They include treatment
for:
-
burns
-
rashes
-
itchy skin
-
Poison ivy
-
dry, cracking skin
-
moisturizing skin
Harvest for use, by removing a large stem or stalk with a sharp knife. Then,
squeeze out the sap.
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