Aloe vera belongs to the genus Aloe from the grass tree family. The species-rich genus probably comes from Africa. Its most famous representative, Aloe vera, is now also cultivated on large areas in southern Europe and Central America.
What are the characteristics and care instructions for aloe vera?
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a stemless succulent with thorny, blue-green leaves and yellow, orange, or red flowers. It prefers full sun locations, well-drained soil, infrequent watering and is used for skin care and treatment of skin problems.
Scientific name and classification
- Aloe vera, also Aloe barbadensis Miller
- Genus: Aloes (Aloe)
- Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
- Family: Grass Tree Family (Xanthorrhoeaceae)
Description
Aloe vera is a stemless leaf succulent with rosette-shaped, thick-fleshed leaves that have thorns at the edges. The leaves are blue-green in color, occasionally with light spots. The tall inflorescences that appear in spring bear yellow, orange or red flowers. The plants grow to a height of approx. 30-60 cm and are just as wide.
Care
- full sunny location on the south side,
- permeable, sandy soil or cactus soil (€12.00 on Amazon) with a good drainage layer in the pot,
- water rarely and vigorously, remove excess water,
- Instead of fertilizing, repot every 2-3 years in a larger container with fresh soil,
- Cut outer leaves and offshoots regularly.
Propagation
For propagation, you use the natural offshoots that a sexually mature plant repeatedly forms at its base. To do this, carefully separate the daughter plant from the mother plant and place it in its own container. Beforehand, the cut surface is air-dried for several days. Cuttings can also be obtained from the leaves of aloe vera.
Usage
Real aloe is industrially processed in various skin care products. Depending on the content of the healing aloe vera gel in the respective products, they can have a more or less positive effect on the skin and hair. Your room aloe can also be used for skin care and to treat skin problems and digestive disorders. The harvested leaves are left upright until the yellow juice has completely drained out, as this contains the slightly poisonous substance aloin.
Tip
Aloe vera is not hardy. Staying outdoors is only possible for the frost-sensitive plant in the summer months.
