What it is
Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) is in the Asphodelaceae family. A succulent first-aid plant - snap a leaf for the cooling gel on burns. Makes offset pups you can pot up free.
How to grow it
It wants bright light, water it very low - succulent, and give it gritty, fast-draining soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0-7.5. Space plants about Pot apart. Expect roughly Pups divide easily. Tender succulent.
How it's used
Aloe Vera is used: topical gel; houseplant.
🔎 How to identify it
- Thick fleshy toothed-edge leaves
- Rosette form
- Offset pups at base
Edibility
PartsInner gel topical; not for casual eating
UsesTopical gel; houseplant
CautionUse the clear gel topically; the latex layer is a laxative irritant - not for eating.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.