Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe Vera is a type of succulent plant within the Aloe genus, characterized by stemless or short-stemmed growth and thick, greenish leaves with serrated edges and small teeth.     Aloe Vera botanical name is Aloe Barbidensis Miller.  It is almost always just referred to as Aloe or Aloe Vera though.

                            Plant Care Tips                                  

 Watering:

Aloes are succulents, so they store water in the leaves of the plant. This means even though the soil feels dry they may still have plenty of water stored up for use. You don't want to water until the soil is basically bone dry. You can also check to see if the leaves are full and plump or drying up before you water. These guys are subject to root rot if given too much water. If you have them outside in direct sun or the like they will need more water than when inside.

 Lighting:

When buying an aloe plant, ensure it gets bright, indirect sunlight or artificial light; direct sunlight can dry out and yellow the leaves. Many varieties can handle direct sunlight if placed outdoors though. It seems to be any direct sunlight coming through a window that will mostly harm the leaves.

 Temperature:

Aloe vera prefers temperatures between 55 to 80°F (13 to 27°C), suitable for most homes. In summer, outdoor placement is possible, but bring it indoors during cold nights. Aloe grows naturally in an arid or desert environment so low humidity is preferred. It does well in most home environments without anything extra as typically humidity will be low. Don't place in a steamy bathroom or laundry room setting.

Soil Medium:

Since Aloe Vera is a succulent it's best to use a soil that is made for cacti/succulents. If that isn't available you want to make sure to mix in some sand and possibly rocks to mimic it's outside environment it naturally grows in.Fertilize sparingly, in the growing season, at half strength in spring and summer using a balanced houseplant formula or better, one for succulents.

Aloe Vera, the superhero plant with antioxidant and antibacterial powers, swoops in to save the day! From fighting dental plaque to speeding up wound recovery, battling wrinkles, and balancing blood sugar levels, aloe vera is the ultimate all-in-one health champion. Aloe vera gel is like nature's own magic potion, ready to soothe and calm. Harvesting your Aloe plant is pretty simple- Just snip a mature leaf near the base, give it a gentle squeeze, and watch the gel ooze out like a green superhero! Remember, go for the big, wise leaves for the juiciest gel power

You will likely know if your Aloe plant is struggling through browning/discolorationo of the leaves, wilting or just stunted growth in general.  The most common issue people see with Aloe houseplants is bugs.  Because many people put their Aloe outside, at least during the summer months, it can be subject to several familiar houseplant pests like mealybugs, mites, and scale.  All of these are treatable when caught early with basic insecticides at your local garden center.