A healthy aloe vera plant constantly produces new leaves from its center. The older outer leaves can be harvested at any time without harm to the plant. A good side effect: your houseplant stays compact and rejuvenates.
The aloe vera can be harvested at any time
The leaves of mature aloe vera can be harvested at any time without harming the plant for gel production. New leaves grow in the heart of the aloe plant. However, for healthy growth it is important to leave some leaves on the plant so that it can produce the new leaf tissue.
If you want to harvest the leaves of the indoor aloe yourself, you should make sure that the slightly poisonous juice containing aloin can drain off completely after cutting off the leaves. To do this, proceed as follows:
- place the leaves upright in a container,
- cut into pieces after “bleeding out”,
- cut the pieces in half lengthways.
The gel can then simply be scraped out with a spoon.
Using the aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is good for the skin. It helps with small injuries, sunburn, psoriasis. It also nourishes and moisturizes the skin. You rub the face, neck and décolleté simply with the cut leaf.
The gel is used fresh or frozen for later use. It keeps in the fridge for a few days. The gel can also be stirred into yoghurt, cold drinks or smoothies as a food additive. Aloe vera is said to have a good effect on digestion.
Using the leaves for propagation
Cuttings can be obtained from the outer leaves of aloe vera. The leaf pieces are inserted into the potting soil for rooting. The plant containers should be moderately moist, bright and protected from the sun.
tips
To propagate aloe vera, the natural offshoots can be used, which every sexually mature plant forms from the age of about three years.