The Amazing Aloe Vera Plant

The First Aid Plant That’s First in Class

Of the more than thirty types of Aloe plants, the most well-known by far is the popular Aloe Vera plant. A succulent at heart, the Aloe Vera plant goes by many different names, including Medicinal Aloe, the First Aid Plant, and the Burn Plant. This unique plant can grow outside or indoors, and provides a useful, medicinal gel that’s ever at-the-ready.

As your Aloe Vera Plant grows, the gel-filled leaves tend to get heavy. A sturdy pot is recommended, as the thin plastic pots they sometimes are purchased in won’t be able to handle the weight. For smaller Aloe Vera plants, terracotta pots work perfectly.

This plant LOVES the sun! Though it can suffer from heat exhaustion if directly in a window, the Aloe Vera plant will thrive a few inches away from a sunny window. The leaves start drooping when it’s not getting enough sunlight, a nice indicator for you that it’s time to find a sunnier spot. Rotating the plant every other month is a great way to make sure the entire plant is getting sunned.

There are so many fun uses for the gel found in the Aloe leaves! Most folks know the Aloe gel as an aid in healing burns and wounds, but the Mayo Clinic also says that the gel also helps with acne and psoriasis issues! The full list of medicinal uses of the plant can be found on the Mayo Clinic’s website here.

Just like the ZZ Plant, Aloe Vera plants are a great addition for any indoor space!

LIGHT

The more sun, the better! When keeping the Aloe Vera plant indoors, make sure to place it in the sunniest place possible. If outdoors, it is possible to get the plant over-heated with too much direct sunlight. Just make sure to place the plant somewhere that isn’t in direct sunlight from morning to night. As long as it gets the occasional break each day, you shouldn’t have any issues.

SOIL

As the Aloe Vera Plant is a succulent, succulent and cactus soil mix are best for this plant. The soil needs to be able to drain well, as too much water can cause issues for the plant.

CLIMATE

In warmer environments, the Aloe Vera Plant can remain outdoors year-round. If you live in a place that freezes, bring the plant inside before the first freeze of the winter. Indoors, the plant is fine is whatever room temperature you live in.

WATER

The easiest way to kill your Aloe Vera friend is to over-water. Once a month is typically more than enough, depending on the size of your plant. The pot definitely needs to allow the water to drain out, and it should never be left in standing water in a dish as it can definitely suffer from root rot. Give it a solid drink every three to four weeks and enjoy this lovely plant for years!

 

You can get your own Aloe Vera Plant from The Plant Dads Shop by clicking right here!

Also, check out our list of the Biggest Myths About Succulents!