Aloe vera is a hardy succulent, easy to grow, recognized and cultivated for its medicinal properties for over 2000 years. Native to North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, but now spread throughout the world, Aloe Vera presents itself as a tough succulent capable of growing in harsh environmental conditions, such as very arid areas with limited water resources.
Aloe Vera stands out as an unpretentious plant that can be easily grown near a window with good light. The growth and yield of the plant are very good both in protected cultivation conditions and in apartment conditions.
Aloe vera leaves contain a gel that can be used to treat skin irritations, minor burns, acne, itching, sunburn, skin irritations caused by allergies, insect bites, etc. Aloe vera is probably the oldest and most used medicinal plant in the world, with the first records of its medicinal use dating back more than 2000 years.
The Aloe Vera offer from Secret Garden is available here (link).
Edible Aloe Vera - how do we identify it?
Although botanists have turned the scientific name of the plant into a small disaster, changing it repeatedly, in reality there are two variants:
- Edible Aloe Vera which can be found under these names: Aloe vera barbadensis, Aloe vera barbadensis var. miller, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe var. barbadensis (all these variants refer to a single plant)
- Inedible Aloe Vera: Aloe vera var. chinensis
Aloe vera barbadensis - characteristics and benefits. It has wide and thick leaves, very fleshy, gray-green in color, and the flowers are yellow. Young leaves have freckles, while mature leaves that can be used medicinally have a uniform color. It is the most cultivated version of aloe vera, recommended for both internal and external use.
Aloe vera chinensis - uses in medical treatments. It has narrow, fragile, and freckled leaves, arranged much more disorderly, and the flowers are orange. Both young and mature leaves have similar characteristics. It is the more common and accessible variant of aloe vera, recommended only for external use.
In the case of consuming Aloe vera chinensis, a strong laxative effect will be obtained - the plant has been used for this purpose over time.
Aloe vera barbadensis vs. Aloe vera chinensis
Aloe vera - care and growing methods
Aloe vera grows very well in direct sun or partial shade. It is a succulent plant extremely resistant to drought and occasionally tolerates low temperatures down to -2 °C. Placed in areas that are too shaded or too cool, the plant becomes weakened and sensitive to diseases and pests.
Ideal substrate for Aloe Vera. Although it has a great adaptability and will adapt to almost any type of substrate, for good performance, a soil that drains water very well is recommended, especially during periods with lower temperatures. Indoors, a quality substrate for cacti and succulents will be used.
Ideal humidity for Aloe Vera. When planting in growing containers, you must pay attention to the drying time of the substrate and adjust the watering interval as well as the amount of water. If the growing container is small and exposed to strong sunlight, the substrate will dry very quickly, and the plant could suffer.
Aloe Vera does not tolerate stagnant water in the growing containers well. Excess water that stagnates in the growing containers leads to rapid degradation of the plant.
The Aloe Vera offer from Secret Garden is available here (link).
Tips and tricks:
- For medicinal purposes, plants should be at least 2-3 years old, with mature leaves.
- Do not consume freshly purchased plants unless it is explicitly stated on the label that they come from organic farming and can be consumed. If such information does not appear on the label, the plants need a resting period during which no chemical treatments will be used.
Attention! This article is not intended to provide medical information or advice. We do not encourage you to consume Aloe Vera, or any other plants without the approval or guidance of your doctor.
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