You Grow Girl™

By Kelly Martini

Possibly the most well-known succulent because of its healing capabilities, Aloe barbadensis is most commonly known as aloe vera or medicinal aloe. With a genus of over 250 species world wide, this particular plant is a native to the Cape Verde and Canary Islands off of the west coast of Africa.

This plant has wonderful healing capacities, and has been used to treat everything from a mild burns, to eczema, to cuts, to poison ivy, to insect stings. If applied immediately by simply cutting off a leaf tip and applying the gel directly to the skin, it quickly relieves pain, causing the burn or skin condition to heal quickly, and sometimes helping to prevent scarring.

Family: Aloeaceae
Hardiness: Zones 9-11
Blooms: Yellow-orange, flowers June - August.
Use: Grown mainly for its foilage. A lower leaf cut off to help heal skin irritations.

Light: Bright filtered light, or light shade.

Temperature: Best ranges are from 60ºF - 75ºF, minimum temperatures are 50ºF.

Water: Every one to two weeks in its growing season (generally from March through September) allowing soil to become dry inbetween waterings. Every two to three weeks during its winter dormant period (generally October through February), also allowing soil to become dry.

Fertilizing: A 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength from March through September. Do not fertilize during dormant season.

Repotting: Well draining soil is key, adding pumice and sterilized sand to regular potting mix is good for the plant. Note that perlite can be harmful to succulents in the Liliaceae family (of which this plant is related). These plants will grow in drought and poor soil as long as it is well-draining. The roots grow in a shallow, spread out pattern, so a low wide planter will be beneficial to the plant.

Propagation: Offsets will form from the parent plant are easily seperated an repotted. Make sure to do this in spring.

Common problems: Scale, mealy bugs, and root rot due to poor drainage.

Note: While aloe can and has been used for stomach ailments, it is not wise to ingest the sap. In the wrong amount, it is known to cause stomach cramps and poisoning. Sap should be used immediately, if stored in a container its healing properties can quickly deteriorate.