Aloe vera ( Aloe barbadensis ) is a perennial succulent plant native to the south west Arabian peninsula. Aloe vera is popular in many home gardens and as an indoor plant because of its air purifying capabilities. Having an Aloe vera plant in your home is apparently better than having an air purifying machine!
From around 200 species of Aloe, this one is certainly the most famous because of its use to treat abrasions and burns naturally at home. There is not a lot of research into its effectiveness and safety at this stage and there are some toxicity concerns with ingestion. Research has showed that Krantz Aloe (Aloe arborescens is 200% greater in its medicinal properties than Aloe Vera.
Other common names include are Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant, Barbados Aloe and True Aloe.
There are other Aloe varieties available including Krantz Aloe, Cape Aloe, Coral Aloe and Dune Aloe.
Growth
Aloe barbadensis can grow to around 60 cm’s in height. It grows in clumps by forming offsets and it leaves are thick and ooze a clear gel when broken. The leaves of some varieties can have white speckles. The flower is yellow and grows on a tall stem above the leaves.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asphodelaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry, Sub Tropical and Tropical. Aloe vera can be grown in cooler climates, if it is kept in a pot and taken indoors or placed in a greenhouse over the winter.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
4 to 40°C / 40 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, succulent appropriate soil. Continuously wet soil will rot and kill this plant.
LOCATION:
Full Sun preferred; Part Shade tolerated in hot dry regions.
HEIGHT:
60 cm’s (2 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm’s (1.6 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Succulent, Clumping, Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Minimal – Drought tolerant, usually with no need to water in winter.
POLLINATION:
Birds, insects pollinate Aloes, and the flowers are bisexual and have both male and female parts on them.
MATURITY:
3-4 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-76%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks, dependent on conditions
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy-Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 800
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, leaves.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT ALOE BARBADENSIS (Aloe Vera)
Aloe is seen in drinks claiming to aid in digestion, however oral ingestion of Aloe vera is said to be potentially toxic and interfere with prescription drugs, this is assumably dose dependent.
Large scale agricultural production of Aloe occurs all over the world, including right here in Australia.
