Aloe (Aloe vera)
One of the most commonly grown succulents, aloe vera is an easy plant to grow indoors. It is likely native to the Arabian Peninsula or eastern Africa. Its medicinal properties have been used for thousands of years. This plant is a “pup” produced from a mother plant in Biosphere 2’s desert.
LIGHT: Aloe will do well in bright, indirect light. Full sun, however, may discolor the leaves.
WATERING: Water when the top 1/3 of the soil is dry. It does not like soggy roots and may become susceptible to root rot if it is watered too much. It should be watered less frequently in the winter.
SOIL: Any well-draining potting soil will be suitable for the plant. Be sure that the pot has an opening on the bottom for drainage.
FERTILIZING: Aloes require little fertilizer. They can be fertilized in the spring with a general houseplant fertilizer mixed at ½ strength. Do not fertilize in the winter.
TEMPERATURE and HUMIDITY: Aloes do best in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant is tolerant of lower humidity levels often found inside homes.
PRUNING: Usually not necessary.
REPOTTING: When the plant has filled up the pot with roots and does not appear to be growing anymore, it can be repotted in a slightly larger pot. Just remove it from the old pot and repot it in a new pot with new potting soil.
TOXICITY: Potentially toxic if ingested. The gel from the leaves may be used to soothe minor burns.