The name "Aloe vera" is familiar to most people these days. "Vera" means "true" in Latin, the name stands for real aloe. Other lesser known names are Aloe barbadensis Miller, Aloe vulgaris, Aloe chinensis.
Aloe vera has been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years
The name "Aloe vera" stands for the entire genus Aloe. However, this consists of several hundred species, which include ornamental, useful and medicinal plants that look different. With the exception of the aloe vera (also Aloe barbadensis Miller), wild aloes are protected species.
origin and history
Aloe vera was already used as a medicinal plant in ancient times. Its leaves were mainly used for skin care and to treat skin diseases. Today, aloe vera is ubiquitous as a component of many cosmetic products, but also on the ingredient lists of various foods.
Aloe vera is a robust and undemanding plant due to its origin in the desert regions of Africa. The cultivation areas extend from Europe to Africa and Asia to Central America. In Germany, the frost-sensitive aloe vera is cultivated as a houseplant for sunny locations.
plant portrait
Characteristic features of real aloe are:
- lanceolate, smooth, shiny leaves that taper to a point and have thorns at the edges,
- rosette-shaped arrangement of the leaves,
- sprawling, stemless growth,
- tall inflorescences with yellow, red or orange flowers,
- Height and width of about 30-60 cm.
maintenance and propagation
Aloe vera can be cultivated at a normal room temperature all year round. A light location and well-drained soil is important. The leaf succulent needs little water and hardly any fertilizer. Regular repotting in the fresh soil and a summer stay outdoors are good for the heat-loving plant. From the age of about three years, the plants form offshoots that can be used for propagation.
tips
Regularly harvesting the leaves has two benefits. On the one hand, the gel obtained from it can be used for skin and hair care. On the other hand, the aloe plant is rejuvenated by cutting off the outer leaves. New leaves grow from the center of the plant.