Photo of Aloe vera foliage by Friends School Plant Sale

Photo by Friends School Plant Sale

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Aloe vera

Also Known As

  • Aloe barbadensis
  • Aloe indica
  • Aloe Vera
  • Barbados Aloe
  • Burn Aloe
  • Chinese Aloe
  • First Aid Plant
  • Indian Aloe
  • Medicinal Aloe
  • True Aloe

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 12"-18"
  • W: 12"-18"

planting zones

  • 9a-12

More Options

Aloe vera plant details

Aloe vera is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in acidic, average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aloe vera

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, houseplant, medicinal

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aloe vera

USDA Zones: 9a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Tender. Slender green foliage /spines on the edge
The ultimate medicinal aloe. This aloe has a high gel content in each leaf. Grows up to 2 feet and makes huge, thick leaves. Offsets regularly. Tall spikes of yellow flowers.
Full Sun to Light Shade. Outdoor/Indoor. Real aloe Vera has Yellow Flowers, but many clones have Orange..

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Aloe is used widely to relieve the pain and suffering from skin burns, insect bites, etc. It is a succulent-like plant with many slender, tapered leaves growing upward. It is the gel inside the leaves that is used. It makes a wonderful houseplant serving two purposes. Let dry between waterings.
This famed healing plant is often used to promote the rapid healing of burns, cuts, scrapes, stings, etc... A clump forming succulent producing a rosette of thick fleshy gray spotting green leaves that may be topped by spikes of tubular yellow flowers. Multiplies readily. Juvenile aloe leaves can be used medicinally.

Gardening facts about Aloe vera plant

How to Grow Aloe vera

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter

Features

  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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