Aloe vera is a resistant succulent, easy to grow, recognized and cultivated for its medicinal properties for over 2000 years. Originally from North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, but spread throughout the world, Aloe Vera presents itself as a tough succulent, capable of growing in hostile environmental conditions, such as very arid areas with limited water resources.

Aloe Vera stands out as an unpretentious plant, which can be easily grown next to a window with good light. The growth and yield of the plant are very good both in protected areas and in apartment conditions.

Aloe vera leaves contain a gel that can be used to treat skin irritations, minor burns, acne, itching, sunburns, skin irritations caused by allergies, insect bites, etc.. Aloe vera is probably the oldest and most used medicinal plant in the world, the first attestations of its use for medicinal purposes being more than 2000 years old.

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 that can be found with these names: Aloe vera barbadensis, Aloe vera barbadensis var. miller, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe var. barbadensis (all these variants refer to a single plant)
• Non-edible Aloe Vera : Aloe vera var. chinensis

Aloe vera barbadensis - characteristics and benefits . It has wide and thick, very fleshy, grey-green leaves, and the flowers are yellow. The young leaves show freckles, while the mature leaves that can be used for medicinal purposes 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, thin and freckled leaves, placed much more disorderly, and the flowers are orange. Both young and mature leaves show similar characteristics. It is the more common and more accessible version of aloe vera, recommended only for external use .

In the case of Aloe vera chinensis consumption, a strong laxative effect will be obtained - the plant has been used for this purpose throughout 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 an extremely drought-resistant succulent plant and occasionally tolerates low temperatures, up to -2 °C. Placed in areas that are too shady or too cool, the plant becomes weakened and sensitive to diseases and pests.

The ideal substrate for Aloe Vera. Although it has a great power of adaptation and will adapt to almost any type of substrate, for a good yield a soil that drains water very well is recommended , especially in periods with lower temperatures. In indoor conditions, a quality substrate for cacti and succulents will be used.

The ideal humidity for Aloe Vera . In the case of planting in culture containers, you must pay attention to the drying time of the substrate and adapt the watering interval, as well as the amount of water. If the culture container is small, exposed to strong solar radiation, the substrate will dry very quickly, and the plant could suffer.

Aloe Vera does not tolerate stagnant water well in culture containers. Excess water that stagnates in the culture containers leads to a rapid degradation of the plant.

The Aloe Vera offer from Secret Garden is available here (link).

Tips and tricks:

• For medicinal purposes, plants at least 2-3 years old, with mature leaves, should be used.
• Do not eat freshly bought plants, unless it is expressly mentioned on the label that they come from organic farming and can be consumed. If such data do not appear on the label, the plants need a rest period, in which chemical treatments will not be used.

Careful! This article is not intended to provide medical information or advice. We do not encourage you to consume Aloe Vera, or any kind of other plants without the consent or guidance of your doctor.

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