Aloe Vera has a long history of cultivation throughout the drier
tropical and subtropical regions of thee world, both as an ornamental
plant and for herbal medicine.
It requires a well-drained soil and a very sunny position. Plants are
tolerant of poor soils. If trying to grow this plant outdoors then it will
need the sunniest and warmest area in the garden plus some protection from
winter cold. Because Aloe plants consist of 95% water, they are extremely
frost tender. If they are grown outdoors in warm climates, they should be
planted in full sun, or light shade.
The soil should be moderately fertile and fast draining. Established
plants will survive a drought quite well, but for the benefit of the
plant, water should be provided. Aloe Vera is a succulent, and as such,
stores a large quantity of water within its leaves and root system. During
the winter months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and utilize
very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal.
Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1
- 6 months at 16°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of
very well-drained soil when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on
in a sunny part of the greenhouse for at least their first two winters.
Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system, so when it is time to repot choose a wide planter, rather than a deep one. When you need to use it medicinally, just remove a lower leaf from the plant, slice it open, and apply the gel on the affected area. Its edible parts are leaves and seeds though leaves are very bitter in taste.