Aloe Vera

From the family Lilaceae/Aloeaceae

There are between 250 and 350 species of aloe around the world. They are originally native to the arid areas of Southern Africa. In cultivation they need a frost-free environment. Aloe has been valued at least since the 4th century BC when Aristotle requested Alexander the Great to conquer Socotra in the Indian Ocean, where many species grow.

Species

Aloe Vera (barbadensis)

Half-hardy perennial. Grown outside: ht 60cm (2ft), spread 60cm (2ft) or more. Grown as a house plant: ht 30cm (12in). Minimum temperature 10°C (50°F). Succulent grey/green pointed foliage, from which eventually grows a flowering stem with bell-shaped yellow or orange flowers.

Aloe arborescens 'Variegata'

Half-hardy perennial. Grown outside: ht, spread 2m (6ft). Minimum temperature 7°C (45°F). Each stem is crowned by rosettes of long, blue green leaves with toothed edges and cream stripes. Produces numerous spikes of red tubular flowers in late winter and spring.

Aloe variegata

Partridge-breasted aloe Half-hardy perennial. A house plant only in temperate climates. Ht 30cm (12in), spread 10cm (4in). Minimum temperature 7°C (45°F). Triangular, white marked, dark green leaves. Spike of pinkish-red flowers in spring.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

A temperature of 21 °C (70°F) must be maintained during germination. Sow onto the surface of a pot or tray and cover with Perlite. Place in a propagator with bottom heat. Germination is erratic - 4 to 24 months.

Division

In summer gently remove offshoots at the base of a mature plant. Leave for a day to dry, then pot into 2 parts compost to 1 part sharp sand mix. Water in and leave in warm place to establish. Give the parent plant a good liquid feed when returning to its pot.

Pest and Disease

Over watering causes it to rot off.

Maintenance

Spring: Give containerized plants a good dust! Spray the leaves with water. Give a good feed of liquid fertilizer.

Summer: Remove the basal offshoots of a mature plant to maintain the parent plant. Re-pot mature plants if necessary.

Autumn: Bring in pots if there is any danger of frost.

Winter: Rest all pot grown plants in a cool room (minimum temp 5°C (40°F); keep watering to the absolute minimum.

Garden Cultivation

Aloes enjoy a warm, frost-free position - full sun to partial shade - and a free-draining soil. Leave lm (3ft) minimum between plants.

Harvest

Alt leaves throughout the growing season. A plant of more than 2 years has stronger properties.

Container growing

Compost must be gritty and well drained. Do not over water. Maintain a frost-free, light environment.

Medicinal

The gel obtained by breaking the leaves is a remarkable healer. Applied to wounds it forms a clear protective seal and encourages skin regeneration. It can be applied directly to cuts, burns, and is immediately soothing. Rumor has it that the US Government is building up stocks for use in the event of a nuclear disaster.

Cosmetic

Aloe Vera is used in cosmetic preparations, in hand creams, suntan lotions and shampoos.