Aloe vera

Aloe vera plant the “miracle plant” loved for its healing gel and easy care).

General Information

• Scientific name: Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

• Common names: Aloe, Kumari (in Ayurveda), Ghritkumari, Burn Plant, Miracle Plant

• Family: Asphodelaceae
  

• Type: Perennial succulent herb

• Height: 1–2 ft (compact rosette form)

• Leaves: Thick, fleshy, green/grey-green with small spines at the edges, filled with soothing gel

Flowers

• Color: Yellow to orange tubular flowers on tall spikes

• Season: Summer (rarely indoors, mostly outdoors in warm gardens)

Growing Conditions

• Sun Light: Needs bright sunlight (at least 4–6 hrs/day); tolerates semi-shade

• Soil: Sandy or loamy well-drained soil (cactus mix works best)

• Watering: “Soak and dry” method → water deeply, then let soil dry before watering again

 Care & Maintenance

• Potting: Grow in shallow, wide pots with drainage holes

• Fertilizer: Very light feeder — compost or liquid fertilizer once in 2–3 months

• Pruning: Remove dry/broken leaves; harvest mature outer leaves for gel

• Pests/Diseases: Rare; may get mealybugs if too wet

 Uses

✅ Medicinal & Skincare

• Leaf gel: Cools and heals burns, cuts, insect bites

• Skin care: Used in moisturizers, face packs, hair gels

• Health: Aloe juice (processed safely) aids digestion, immunity, and detox
   The yellow latex (aloin) under leaf skin is a strong laxative → not safe to consume raw

✅ Ornamental

• Attractive indoor/outdoor plant

• Great for balconies, terraces, or dry gardens

 Safety Notes

• Pets: Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten

• Consumption: Only processed inner gel is edible; latex is irritating