Aloe Vera, scientifically referred to as Aloe barbadensis miller, stands out as a succulent plant renowned for its medicinal and cosmetic advantages. Out of the numerous Aloe species, Aloe Vera is the most widely recognized for its healing properties. Its defining features include thick, succulent green leaves arranged in a rosette pattern, with serrated edges and a gel-filled interior known for its calming and therapeutic effects, particularly in addressing skin irritations and burns. Additionally, studies have uncovered another benefit of Aloe Vera: its ability to effectively purify indoor air by filtering toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. This attribute makes it an excellent choice for improving air quality within the home.
Aloe Care:
Indoors, position aloe near a window receiving bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun exposure can scorch its delicate skin, while insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and weaken the leaves, resulting in creasing.
In the wild, aloe vera typically thrives in soil that lacks nutrients, often on sandy slopes with good drainage. When potting aloe, ensure adequate drainage by using a cactus potting mix or a blend of traditional potting soil with perlite and coarse sand. Aloe plants prefer slightly acidic soil, ideally around 6.0 pH, but they can also tolerate neutral or alkaline soil conditions.
Aloe likes consistent watering, but make sure the soil fully dries out between waterings. If the soil stays dry too long, the leaves may shrink a bit.
During winter dormancy, aloe needs no water if it is adequately watered in its growing season. If your area gets lots of rain in winter, plant aloe in gravel or stones to prevent water buildup and potential rot.