The name “Aloe vera” is familiar to most people these days. “Vera” means “true” in Latin, the name stands for real aloe. Other lesser known names include Aloe barbadensis Miller, Aloe vulgaris, Aloe chinensis.
What distinguishes real aloe vera?
Real aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a popular medicinal and ornamental plant that is robust and easy to care for. Its lanceolate, thorny leaves and rosette-shaped arrangement are characteristic. The healing effects are primarily used in skin and hair care products.
In common usage, the name “Aloe vera” stands for the entire genus of Aloe. However, this consists of several hundred species, which include different-looking ornamental, useful and medicinal plants. With the exception of real aloe (also Aloe barbadensis Miller), wild-growing aloes are protected species.
Origins and history
Aloe vera was already used as a medicinal plant in ancient times. Its leaves were primarily used for skin care and to treat skin diseases. Nowadays, aloe vera is omnipresent as an ingredient in many cosmetic products, but also on the ingredient lists of various foods.
Aloe vera is a robust and undemanding plant due to its origins in the desert regions of Africa. The growing areas extend from Europe through Africa and Asia to Central America. In Germany, the frost-sensitive aloe vera is cultivated as a houseplant for sunny locations.
Plant portrait
Characteristic features of real aloe are:
- lanceolate, smooth-glossy leaves that taper at the end and have thorns on the edge,
- rosette-shaped arrangement of leaves,
- sprawling, stemless growth,
- tall inflorescences with yellow, red or orange flowers,
- Height and width of approx. 30-60 cm.
Care and propagation
Aloe vera can be cultivated all year round at a normal room temperature. A bright location and permeable soil are important. The leaf succulent needs little water and hardly any fertilizer. Regular repotting in fresh soil (€9.00 on Amazon) and spending summer outdoors are good for the heat-loving plant. From the age of around three years, the plants form offshoots that can be used for propagation.
Tip
Harvesting the leaves regularly has two benefits. On the one hand, the gel obtained from it can be used for skin and hair care. On the other hand, you can rejuvenate the aloe plant by cutting off the outer leaves. New leaves grow from the center of the plant.
