Growing and Caring for Aloe Vera Plants
The Aloe Vera plant, scientifically called the Aloe Barbadensis, grows naturally in Africa but it has been brought to countries around the worlds due to its good looks and medicinal properties. Whether you’re growing this plant because you like it, or because you want to have access to the soothing gel which can be very soothing you will want to make sure you follow these important guidelines to get the best results. Technically the Aloe Vera plant is just one of over 250 species of Aloes, but it is by far the most popular both for commercial use and to use as house plants.
Growing Your Aloe Vera Plant
The Aloe Vera plant is made of almost 95% water which is why it is critical that you never expose it to temperatures which are at or below freezing. If you’re growing them outside make sure they are exposed to full sunlight as much as possible and always in warmer climates. The soil for both outdoor and indoor plants should be fast draining and have a good amount of nutrients to help the plant grow properly.
These plants can survive for a long period of time with little or no water, but unlike cacti, the Aloe Vera plants should be watered on a regular basis if you want them to grow and thrive. Today most non-commercial Aloe Vera plants are used indoors and are placed near a window which receives a lot of direct sunlight. Some people will move the potted plant outside in the summer, but make sure you are aware of the nighttime temperatures to avoid it getting too cold.
Annual fertilizing is a good idea and can be done with about 50% strength bloom fertilizer. Adding additional high quality potting soil or cacti mix soil will also help replace any of the nutrients that are used throughout the year.
Aloe Vera is a Medicinal Plant
The Aloe Vera has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. The plant can be used to make an ointment or the sap of the plant, which is a thick gel, can be applied directly for excellent results. It is most famous for helping sooth the pain from burns (especially sun burn), cuts and rashes. It is also used in a variety of beauty products.
If you plan on using your Aloe Vera plant to treat medical issues yourself you simply remove one of the lower leafs from the plant and cut it open. The exposed inner area of the leaf will be wet with gel, and can be applied directly to the cut or burn. You can also apply the gel to a bandage which can be placed over the injured area. The Aloe Vera plant will continue to grow unaffected by the loss of this leaf, and with a sufficiently large plant you won’t have any trouble using it for its medical properties while still enjoying the great looking leaf and flowers.
