Aloe was first used by the Ancient Egyptians as an element to preserve dead bodies.
The effectiveness of the popular species Aloe vera as a wound healer is still controversial. While some evidence suggests that A. vera enhances the rate of healing, others state that it in fact slows down the process. In any case, Aloe vera is used widespread as an herbal medicine. Be warned against excessive ingestion, however, as A. vera can become toxic and has been known to cause kidney dysfunction and hepatitis among other problems.
A. vera are clustering rosettes of narrow, fleshy, stiffly upright leaves 1 to 2 feet long. They bear yellow flowers in dense spike atop 3 feet stalk in spring and summer seasons. It is a favorite folk medicine plant used to treat burns, bites, and inflammation.
| Plant Types: | Interior Plant, Perennial, Succulent |
| Light: | Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 1 foot to 2 feet |
| Width: | 1 foot to 3 feet |
| Zones: | 10a to 15b |
| Bloom Color: | Orange, Yellow |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter, Mid winter, Late winter |
| Leaf Color: | Green, Silvery, Variegated |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage, Naturalizing, Not North American native |
| Shape: | Rounded, Upright or erect |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food |
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They do very well as indoor or outdoor potted plants, but should be protected from frost and very low temperatures.
Aloe should be planted in a place where it will get full sun or light shade. Aloe should also be protected from frost. All species grow in clumps of varying sizes, all with fleshy, pointy leaves surrounding a cluster of flowers.
Flowers cluster in the center of the plant. They can come in a number of colors, including red, cream, orange or yellow.
Aloe requires well-drained soil with little to moderate water.
Mealybugs. Prone to scale and fungal stem and leaf rots.