Aloe barbadensis /ˌæ.loʊ bɑːɹbəˈdɛnsɪs/
Common name: Aloe vera · Medicinal aloe · Burn plant
Aloe barbadensis (also known as Aloe vera) is a stemless or short-stemmed succulent whose origins trace to the Arabian Peninsula. Its thick, fleshy, serrated leaves store a clear gel that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It thrives on bright light, infrequent watering, and general neglect.
Care summary
Sun
Bright light, including some direct sun
Water
Deeply but infrequently; let soil dry fully
Water interval
Water about every 25 days
Soil
Sandy cactus or succulent mix
Hardiness
Zones 9–11
Mature height
About 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
Pet safe
Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Propagate from the offsets (pups) that form around the base of the mother plant. Gently separate a pup with some roots attached, let it dry for a day, then pot it in sandy succulent mix and water sparingly.
Fun facts
- Aloe gel was used in ancient Egypt, where it was called the "plant of immortality."
- The gel inside the leaves is about 99% water, with the remainder containing vitamins, enzymes, and sugars.
- It readily produces "pups" — baby offshoots at its base that can be separated and potted.
- Mature plants send up tall flower spikes with yellow, tubular blooms.
