Aloe Vera

The Aloe vera is both an ornamental plant and a vegetable first-aid kit. The gel inside its fleshy leaves soothes burns, sunburn, insect bites and small cuts. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, it adapts perfectly to bright homes provided you respect one golden rule: water sparingly.

What you really need to know

Succulent plant: its survival depends on dry conditions. Free-draining substrate, infrequent watering, lots of light. An Aloe vera dies from overwatering, never from underwatering.

Light

Bright direct light. A south-facing window sill is ideal. In low light, the rosette stretches (etiolation) and leaves go pale. Tolerates several hours of intense direct sun a day, even in summer.

Watering

Every 14 to 21 days during growing season, every 4-5 weeks in winter. Substrate must dry completely before each watering. Check with a finger 5 cm deep. Water around the rosette, not in the centre (rot).

Substrate

Cactus/succulent specific: potting soil + sand + pumice. Terracotta pot with generous drainage holes. Avoid sealed “indoor” pots without holes.

Humidity and temperature

Indifferent to humidity (20-50 %). Tolerates 5-30 °C. Ideal between 13-27 °C.

Mistakes to avoid

• Watering like a regular houseplant: rot within weeks
• Sealed pot without drainage: fatal stagnant water
• Insufficient light: etiolation, slumping plant
• Substrate too rich: prefer a mineral mix

Toxicity

⚠️ Mildly toxic to cats and dogs (yellow latex under the leaf skin). ✅ The inner gel is safe for external human use (burns, sunburn). Internal consumption discouraged outside controlled commercial preparations.

Propagation

By offsets: the Aloe vera regularly produces small plants at the base. Detach with their roots in spring, plant in individual pots. Endless multiplication.

Flowering

Possible indoors after 4-5 years: a long stalk with small tubular yellow-orange flowers. Conditions: maximum light, prolonged winter dryness.