Aloe vera
Aloe barbadensis
Features
A succulent perennial, aloe vera grows to about 60cm high and wide in the open garden but grows much smaller in containers where growth is restricted. A strong rooting system supports a single sturdy stem, the fleshy, pale green leaves with paler blotches have spiny, toothed edges. Bell-shaped flowers are borne from long branches during the summer months while the capsule-like fruit are triangular and contain many seeds.
Growing Methods
Aloe vera can be grown from seed or by dividing the parent plant. New shoots should be pruned or leaves will turn bright green and start to grow horizontally rather than vertically. Once new shoots are 10cm tall, break them off from the parent plant and repot in soil from equal parts sand and garden compost.
Aloe vera should be left to dry out between watering, only watering very lightly during winter and more often during the growth period. Excessive watering will cause root rot otherwise problems are almost non-existent.
Harvesting
Leaves can be harvested as required but always cut larger, lower leaves first as they have more juice. This will also promote new growth from the centre as the cut leaves will not growth back. Wrap whole leaves in foil and store them in the fridge for several days or freeze them for up to six months.
Uses
The juice from the leaves can be applied directly to the skin as a softening agent and for minor wounds such as insect bites, scratches, cuts and sunburn.
