Aloe vera
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Aloe barbadensis
- Aloe barbadensis var. chinensis
- Aloe perfoliata var. barbadensis
- Aloe perfoliata var. vera
- Phonetic Spelling
- AL-oh VER-ah
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Aloe Vera is an evergreen succulent plant in the daylily family (Asphodelaceae) native to the Arabian Peninsula that has spread to many other regions and is considered invasive in some counties. The genus name is derived from the Arabic word alloeh, meaning "bitter and shiny substance. The specific epithet comes from verus meaning "true" in Latin.
It is often grown indoors as a houseplant, but it can be an outdoor perennial in zones 10 and higher. Grow this plant in full sun to partial shade in very well-drained soils suitable for succulents. Allow the soil to completely dry between waterings. The pot used should also have several drainage holes and clay is best. Water less frequently in the winter months. It will grow 2 to 3 feet tall and spread by offsets. Propagation can be done by division.
The thick leaves contain a gell used in many commercial products. The stem can be broken and the gel applied to the skin and it is safe for most people. The leaves grow in a rosette and once the plant is at least three years old it will send up a stem with tubular orange to yellowish flowers near the tip that bloom from the bottom up. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Use this plant as a houseplant. It can be moved outdoors during the summer. In more temperate areas, aloe can be grown in a rock garden, winter garden or drought-tolerant garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mealybugs and aphids are insects that may affect the health of your aloe plant. Diseases include scale, leaf spot, aloe rust, and sooty mold. Overwatering should be avoided, it can lead to the roots rotting.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Aloe
- Species:
- vera
- Family:
- Asphodelaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Has been used for centuries topically for cuts, sunburns, and other skin problems. Cut away the outer part of the leave and use only the gel. Test a small patch of skin first.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Arabian Peninsula
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Textural
- Edibility:
- Causes low toxicity if eaten. Used medicinally and in drinks when properly prepared.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Perennial
- Poisonous
- Succulent
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Winter
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Flowers are orange to yellowish in terminal, elongated clusters. Densely packed pendulous flowers on a spike reaching nearly 3' in height. Flowers only appear on mature plants but will bloom multiple times in the plant's lifetime.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Fleshy
- Smooth
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Thick, succulent, pointed, basal leaves with a margin of small white teeth. The leaves may grow up to 18" in length. They are soft and easy to break, containing a gel-like sap within.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Short stout stem.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Rock Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Salt
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
