Aloe Vera- Aloe barbadensis

Aloe Vera is a well-known plant for its health benefits for soothing burns and skin hydration but did you know that this evergreen succulent also flowers profusely in winter under the right conditions. With its green to a grey-green cluster of leaves that rise almost straight up from the base, and sometimes feature small white spots and short stripes on the upper and lower surfaces. Each leaf is thick and fleshy and has a run of short thorns along each side, though these are not very sharp.

Sunlight

Indoors in a well-lit spot. Outdoors in full sun, but protected from the harsh afternoon sun

Water

Water occasionally, allowing the plant to slightly dry out between waterings

Humidity

Suitable for all climatic zones

Soil

Good quality well-draining potting mix

Common Problems

Aloe Vera has very few common problems however, it can be attacked by small sap-sucking insects, such as scale, mealy bugs and aphids. Keep your eye out for these, and control them with a garden insecticide if they occur.

Symptom

Yellowing limp, mushy leaves

Cause

Overwatered

Symptom

Yellow spots on the leaves, turning brown

Cause

Fungal disease, root rot

Precautions

Consuming the leaves is toxic for people, dogs and cats