Aloe vera
Also known as: Medicinal aloe
The medicinal aloe: thick serrated leaves filled with clear soothing gel. It comes from Arabian Peninsula (naturalized worldwide), stays around 60–90 cm tall and wide, and tolerates USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Aloe
- Origin: Arabian Peninsula (naturalized worldwide)
- Mature size: 60–90 cm tall and wide
- Hardiness: USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity: Latex layer mildly irritating if ingested
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Aloe
- Origin
- Arabian Peninsula (naturalized worldwide)
- Mature size
- 60–90 cm tall and wide
- Growth habit
- Large upright rosette, offsets at base
- Leaf colour
- Grey-green serrated leaves with clear gel
- Flower colour
- Yellow tubular spikes
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–12; protect below 5 °C
- Toxicity
- Latex layer mildly irritating if ingested
- Other names
- Medicinal aloe
About the Aloe vera
The medicinal aloe: thick serrated leaves filled with clear soothing gel. Grown worldwide for skincare and burns. Give it bright light, coarse soil and restraint with water; it offsets freely into a family of aloes.
Care and cultivation
Aloes want bright light, a coarse mix and restraint with water. Water around the base rather than into the crown, which traps moisture. Most aloes redden in strong sun — this is stress colour, not disease; move to gentler light if the leaves go soft. Light: Bright light; some direct sun for colour, avoid sudden full-sun moves. Water: Every 2–3 weeks; much less in winter. Use a Succulent mix with coarse grit; aloes tolerate slightly richer soil.
Description
Aloe vera is an Aloe succulent from Arabian Peninsula (naturalized worldwide). The medicinal aloe: thick serrated leaves filled with clear soothing gel. Grown worldwide for skincare and burns. Give it bright light, coarse soil and restraint with water; it offsets freely into a family of aloes.
Identification
Look for: Grey-green serrated leaves with clear gel leaves in a 60–90 cm tall and wide form. Also answers to Medicinal aloe. The genus is Aloe, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Medicinal aloe'.
Common problems
Reddening from sun stress (move into gentler light) • Rot at the base if water pools in the crown • Scale insects on leaf undersides
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Aloe vera?
Every 2–3 weeks; much less in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Aloe vera need?
Bright light; some direct sun for colour, avoid sudden full-sun moves. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Aloe vera, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.