MIRACULOUS ALOE VERA

I remember the first time my Aloe Vera plant bloomed, it was about 5 years old.   The blossoms were a brilliant coral almost red color and gorgeous!  None of my previous Aloe Vera plants had ever bloomed.  I didn't know at the time what I did right to make it bloom so I started reading up on it. 

ALOE VERA GENERAL INFORMATION 

To begin with, Aloe Vera plants usually don't bloom until they are around 4-5 years old.  They also require conditions similar to their natural habitats.  Aloe Vera plants are succulents not cacti, and interestingly they belong to the Lily family.  They thrive in areas with a warmer climate like California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and areas in Mexico. 

CARE OF ALOE VERAS

• WATERING

Aloe Veras need a well drained soil or they can succumb to root rot.  You only need to water them about once a week.  It's best to water them from the bottom of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet.  Over watering causes leaves to become yellow and mushy.  Aloe Vera plants have water storing tissues in their leaves, enabling them to endure drought.  These plants actually do well when they are confined in a pot.

•  LIGHTING

The best light conditions for Aloe Veras to thrive is at least 3 to 6 hours direct sunlight daily.  You'll know if they are getting too much sunlight because the leaves will start turning a reddish color on the ends.

• VARIETIES

The Aloe Vera plant has male and female varieties; the male plants have thicker and taller leaves.  Female plants sprout new shoots on a regular basis and their leaves are usually smaller and thinner compared to the males.   

There are over 400 species of Aloe Vera and they can live up to 10-12 years!  The origins of the Aloe Vera plant comes from Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Madagascar.

ALOE VERA PROPAGATION

Propagating Aloe Vera is easy, so there's no need to be concerned if you're not an experienced gardener yet!  You can expand your Aloe Vera collection in these various ways:

• One method is to take a healthy leaf, cut it into 2 pieces,  let them dry out for several days on a paper towel or newspaper.  Afterwards plant them in well draining cactus soil and water lightly.

• An alternative method involves gently removing new shoots that form at the base of the plant.  Wait until they are around 4-5 inches in length, then plant them in well drained cactus soil and water lightly.  I shield my new shoot transplants from direct full sunlight outdoors until they have acclimated to their new surroundings.

• The seeds from the Aloe Vera flower is another way to propagate.  Wait until the seeds from the flowers are dry and plant them using a well drained cactus/succulent mix.  Press the seed just against the soil to ensure it receives plenty of bright light (at least 8 hours of sunlight daily) for germination.  Make sure to keep the soil moist but not saturated.  The seeds should sprout in about 2-4 weeks. 

  HEALTH AND MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA

  • A great bedroom plant as Aloe Vera plants produce oxygen at night which creates a health benefit.

  • Aloe Vera gel in pure form can benefit your hair by providing hydration, which helps to strengthen it and adds shine.

  • Wound healing - Aloe Vera can accelerate wound healing and treat burns. 

  • It helps skin due to its moisturizing emollient effect.

  • Health benefits of Aloe Vera for women include reducing dental plaque, preventing wrinkles and managing blood sugar according to MedicalNewsToday.com.

    
    

  INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT ALOE VERA

  Many cultures have used the Aloe Vera plant for healing purposes in the past.  The Arabs, Asian Indians, Aztecs, Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, Japanese, Mayans, Mesopotamians and Native Americans just to name a few.  Many societies today continue to use the plant for it's medicinal benefits.

  
  

  According to IndiaTimes.com, Indians believe that the Aloe Vera plant should be displayed in the north or northeast corners of the home because Aloe represents water and earth energy.  They believe this creates a balance of positive energy.

  
  

  Wild animals like deer, rabbits, squirrels, birds, rodents and groundhogs all eat Aloe Vera.

  
  

  The Aloe Vera plant symbolizes strength, resilience and immortality.

  
  

  CAUTIONS

  • Some Aloe Vera varieties, including the Chinensis variety are poisonous. These toxic Aloe Veras typically have spotted or patterned leaves.

  • Keep away from your pets as dogs can be poisoned by ingesting Aloe Vera leaves.

  • Aloe Vera juice can cause kidney damage if drank in excess and it can also interfere with certain medications and health conditions.  Discuss and confirm with your Doctor first.

  • Also certain individuals can be allergic to Aloe Vera.  If  you are allergic to garlic and/or onions you have a probability of being allergic to Aloe Vera.

    
    

  I hope you enjoyed reading about the exceptional and well loved Aloe Vera plant. With it's easy care instructions and multiple medicinal qualities it has become one of my favorite plants, most likely you will enjoy it as well!