Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 05:00 am
Aloe is known for its cooling properties during hot weather. It also relieves pain and inflammation of the skin, as well as digestive problems such as constipation. It has been shown to help with eczema in clinical studies involving children. The other active ingredient that makes up aloe vera gel besides water is polysaccharides. It has been shown in research to have anti-inflammatory properties.
It is one of the most versatile plants on this list, and it can be used for just about anything from stomachaches to skin conditions like dermatitis. Its gel also contains polysaccharides that act as an anti-inflammatory, which is why it’s been shown to be beneficial for various skin conditions.
What are aloes?
Aloe is a plant that grows in dry climates, such as North Africa and South America. Aloes are mostly green with red or yellow markings. The color of the aloe’s flesh depends on where it was grown. “The sap from this succulent can be used to soothe burns and skin conditions,” – Healthline.
How to grow aloe
If you have an aloe plant, just keep it indoors and protect it from frost. They can be grown in a pot indoors or outdoors, but don’t expose them to high winds and dry conditions. “The sap becomes watery when the weather turns hot,” says Healthline.
The plants can be propagated from leaf cuttings.
Steps:
- Remove the lower leaves and remove a length of the stem, about 12 inches long with one to three leaves on it.
- Place in water until roots develop. Then plant it in potting soil or sand. Keep moist but not wet for two to four weeks.
- They can also be grown from seed that has been soaked for 24 hours in room temperature water and then sown on the surface of a moist, fine-grained clay soil mixture in early spring or late summer. The seeds should be covered with an inch of this mix before they are watered again lightly to settle the mix.
- Place in a warm, sunny location and keep moist but not wet until the small plants have developed six leaves.
- Move to grow pots when they are about 12 inches tall, with two to three leaves on them. Keep evenly moist and fertilize once every month or so from late spring through autumn by applying half-strength liquid fertilizer.
Aloes can also be propagated from leaf cuttings, seeds soaked in water for 24 hours, and then plant onto a moist soil mixture of fine-grained clay in early spring or late summer, moving the plants to grow pots when they are 12 inches tall with two to three leaves on them that should be fertilized every month or so from late spring through autumn by applying half-strength liquid fertilizer.
You should prune your plant regularly to keep them healthy and full.
General care information
Light requirements
Aloe plants are a type of succulent, so they require very little light. They can thrive in dark corners with only occasional exposure to the sun’s rays. If you have fluorescent lights or grow lights that provide low amounts of natural sunlight for your other houseplants, and Aloe plant will do well there as well. However, too much light can burn or scorch the leaves and cause them to turn brown.
Soil/potting mix
They need to be planted in a potting mix that has good drainage. Using a typical potting soil with sand mixed in will work well. They also don’t like wet feet, so it’s important not to let the water pool or stand around their roots when watering them. Make sure you use clean water and allow the top few inches of the soil to dry out before watering again.
Watering
Generally speaking, Aloe plants need to be watered sparingly. They don’t typically require a lot of water and they have thick leaves that store moisture for the plant so it doesn’t dry out as other houseplants would. But if you happen to live in a very hot area with little humidity, where rain is infrequent or nonexistent, you may want to water your plant a little more often.
Watering frequency depends on the size of your pot, how much time it spends outside, and whether or not you are using a self-watering container. A typical rule of thumb is that if the top inch (or so) of soil feels dry when you touch it with your fingertip, it’s time to water the plant.
You don’t want to over-water Aloes as too much moisture can get trapped in their thick leaves and cause them to rot or grow mold. It’s best not to let your pot sit in a saucer of water for long periods of time either – if you have a self-watering pot then you can just set it up to water the plant for you regularly without having to worry about this.
Fertilizer
The plants can be fertilized as needed, but they don’t usually need it. A typical plant fertilizer once a month will do just fine if you’re using one at all.
Temperature
They can survive a wide range of temperatures. They’re used to surviving in the desert, so they do well with heat – but not too much. Aloes are tropical plants and prefer high humidity levels, so they grow better if you keep them near a window or open door for airflow.
If you live in an area that gets cold in the winter, you can grow your plant outside during summer and bring them indoors when it gets cold. They do well with a few hours of morning sun or afternoon shade year-round.
They are not tolerant to frost; if temperatures approach freezing for an extended period (we’re talking about weeks here), they will die back and need to be replaced.
Humidity
Aloe plants are known for their ability to thrive in regions with low humidity. In fact, a number of varieties prefer dry areas such as the desert or central Texas. If your plant is located in an area that does not have consistent access to water (especially during heat waves), it may wilt and die regardless of how much water you give it.
It is important to note that the Aloe plant can help regulate humidity in your home by transpiring moisture into the air, so if you live in an especially dry climate or place near a natural water source, your plant may not need to be watered as often.
Pruning
Aloe plants can grow to be a significant size, so if you have limited space, it is important to consider the timing of your pruning. If you are cutting off any leaves or branches in late winter or early spring when they start flowering and producing fruit for new growth come summertime, they may take significantly longer than usual before becoming re-established.
If you have a large Aloe plant, it is better to prune off the bottom leaves first and work your way up. This will keep the plant from leaning on its center for support while also reducing how much watering is required during humid weather.
They are sensitive plants that require proper care in order to thrive.
Repotting/transplanting
If you are looking to grow your plant in a new pot, it is best to use a pot that has holes at the base for drainage. This will help avoid root rot and keep soil moist longer before watering again.
They also prefer well-draining pots due to their sensitivity to stagnant water. When repotting an Aloe plant, it is best to use potting soil mixed with perlite.
Pests and diseases
Aloes are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Mites, aphids, scale insects, leaf spot fungus, powdery mildew (to name a few) can make an Aloe plant’s life difficult.
When treating the leaves for pests or diseases it is best to use organic solutions such as neem oil or garlic spray.
Aloes are sensitive plants that require proper care in order to thrive.
Types of Aloe
There are two types that are used for cosmetic purposes:
Aloe Barbadensis Miller, also known as the “true aloe” or “aloe vera.” This type is made from dried leaf juice and has a thick consistency. The second type is called Aloes – this is a much thicker version that is made with the ground-up leaf of Aloe Vera and has a gel-like consistency.
Each type can be used for different cosmetic purposes, depending on your skin’s needs such as acne treatment or moisturizing. The benefits differ between these two types, but both are beneficial to use in some way.
The true aloe has been used for centuries as a treatment for burns and skin sores. It is also helpful in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, dandruff, sunburns, and dry skin.
The Aloes-based gel can be useful if you have oily or sensitive skin–it’s especially beneficial during winter months when our skins are dry.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant with many medicinal properties. It can be taken orally to relieve constipation, as well as applied topically for the treatment of skin wounds and inflammation. Aloe also contains antiseptic agents that are used in some topical preparations such as lotions or ointments which help soothe sunburns and eczema.
Aloe is used to treat a variety of skin conditions including psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, rosacea, and dandruff because of the high amount of minerals it contains like natural vitamin A & C which help reduce inflammation on your skin. There are several different Aloe plants with varying levels or properties, so it’s important to find the right one for your skin.
General uses of Aloe
- Aloe is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes, mostly healing of external wounds and burns. The use of Aloe as medicine can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Today it is most commonly found in topical lotions or ointments due to its ability to heal the skin without harming healthy tissue around the wound site.
- Aloe is also used as an anti-inflammatory, to relieve pain and reduce swelling. It has been shown that Aloe reduces the time it takes for skin wounds to heal in animals by a third.
