Aloe barbadensis / ‘Aloe Vera’
Aloe vera is probably one of the best-known houseplants. The gel inside its leaves is famously used for soothing burns, but it’s more than just a green first aid kit. This is a plant that has adapted to live all over the world.
A wild aloe vera could grow as big as a metre across. If you think that’s impressive, its flower spike can reach 90cm. UK growers will probably never see an aloe vera flower, but they’re beautiful. They look a bit like the flower known as red hot poker.
Though it’s native to the Arabian Peninsula, aloe vera now grows wild in North Africa, Spain, Mexico, China, Australia and southern parts of the USA. It doesn’t often grow outside in the UK, because it really doesn’t like frost, but it’s incredibly easy to grow indoors.
*Pot size 13cm. Mildly toxic to pets.*
Did you know?
There are records of aloe vera being used for its medicinal properties since the 16th century BC.
Lighting:
The leaves hold a lot of water, so it doesn’t need frequent watering. Water only when his soil is dry.
Watering:
It’ll enjoy a spot with lots of bright light, though not too much direct sun. It won’t enjoy living in shade.
Note: When purchasing plants please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves. Collections or ‘mixed’ listings for plants will be selected dependent on availability and carefully hand-picked to ensure their quality.
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