Scientific Name
Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.
Common Name(s)
Aloe Vera, Barbados Aloe, Bitter Aloe, Burn Aloe, Burn Plant, Chinese Aloe, Coastal Aloe, Common Aloe, First Aid Plant, Indian Aloe, Jaffarabad Aloe, Medicinal Aloe, Medicine Plant, Mediterranean Aloe, Miracle Plant, Savila, True Aloe, Wand of Heaven, West Indian Aloe
Synonym(s)
Aloe barbadensis, Aloe perfoliata var. barbadensis, Aloe perfoliata var. vera, Aloe vera var. chinensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Description
Aloe vera is a well-known succulent that forms stemless or short-stemmed rosettes of thick fleshy grey-green leaves with sparsely dentate margins. It offsets freely at the base to form clusters of rosettes. Leaves are erect, linear-lanceolate, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long, and up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) wide.
The flowers are tubular, pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla, and usually appear densely packed on sparsely-branched, up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall stalks, usually in winter and spring.
Origin
Aloe vera is native to the Hajar Mountains in northeastern Oman on the Arabian Peninsula, but now it grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates worldwide.
Etymology
The specific epithet "vera (VER-uh)" means "true, real" and refers to the status of the species as the "true Aloe."
How to Grow and Care for Aloe vera
Light: When growing Aloe vera indoors, place your plant near a window with plenty of bright indirect light. Rotate the pot once or twice a week so that all sides of the plant receive equal lighting. Outdoors provide light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Grow this plant in a well-drained soil mix formulated for succulents, or make your own. Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can cause root rot.
Hardiness: When temperatures shift below 50 °F (10 °C), it is time to bring your plant back inside. Aloe vera grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: This succulent does need regular watering but is very tolerant of drought conditions for short periods. Water deeply, but only when the soil is dry. Cut back on watering during the winter months. Do not let water stand in the rosettes.
Fertilizing: Aloe vera generally does not require fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients. Feed with a fertilizer for succulents in spring and summer only. Be sure to follow the label directions.
Repotting: This plant is not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot it in the spring in a container a few inches larger in diameter every few years to keep it from becoming rootbound.
Propagation: Aloe vera can be propagated using offsets, cuttings, or seeds from a mature plant. Remove offsets from the mother plant or take cuttings with a sharp knife in late spring or early summer. For best results, sow seeds during the warm months.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe vera
Despite its multiple health benefits, Aloe vera is mild to moderately toxic to cats and dogs.
Uses of Aloe vera
Aloe vera has been used as a traditional medicine in various cultures for millennia. References can be found in China, India, Japan, Greece, Egypt, and Mexico.
Learn more at The Health Benefits of Aloe Vera.
Forms and Varieties of Aloe vera
Links
- Back to genus Aloe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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