Aloe vera belongs to the Aloe genus of the grass tree family. The species-rich genus probably comes from Africa. Its most famous representative, aloe vera, is now also cultivated on large areas in southern Europe and Central America.

Aloe vera has a healing effect on our skin

Scientific designation and systematics

  • Aloe vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis Miller
  • Genus: Aloes (Aloe)
  • Subfamily: Asphodelaceae (Asphodeloideae)
  • Family: Grass tree family (Xanthorrhoeaceae)

description

Aloe vera is a stemless leafy succulent with rosette-like, thick fleshy leaves with thorns at the edges. The leaves are blue-green in color, occasionally with light spots. The tall inflorescences that appear in spring bear yellow, orange or red flowers. The plants grow to about 30-60 cm in height and width.

maintenance

  • full sun location on the south side,
  • permeable, sandy soil or cactus soil with a good drainage layer in the pot,
  • water infrequently and vigorously, remove excess water,
  • instead of fertilizing, it is better to repot every 2-3 years into a larger container with fresh soil,
  • Cut off outer leaves and offshoots regularly.

propagation

The natural offshoots, which a sexually mature plant forms again and again at its base, are used for propagation. To do this, carefully separate the daughter plant from the mother plant and place it in its own container. Before that, the cut surface is dried in the air for several days. Cuttings can also be obtained from the leaves of aloe vera.

use

Real aloe is industrially processed in various skin care products. Depending on the content of the healing aloe vera gel in the respective products, they can have a more or less positive effect on the skin and hair. Your room aloe can also be used for skin care and to treat skin problems and digestive disorders. The harvested leaves are kept upright until the yellow juice has completely drained, as this contains the slightly toxic substance aloin.

tips

Aloe vera is not hardy. The frost-sensitive plant can only stay outdoors in the summer months.

Category:

Indoor plants