Aloe Vera Plant
Aloe Vera
Medicine Plant
An Aloe Vera plant is a drought resistant succulentLearn the definition of a succulent plant and why they are called a "fat plant." that can be grown indoors or outdoors. Medicine Plant is its nickname because the sap from its leaves soothes minor skin irritations and burns; this makes it a great plant for a sunny kitchen. An Aloe Vera plant has long, narrow, plump leaves with little spikes along the edges so be very careful when handling it. It can be used as a table plant when small or a floor plant as it matures.
Aloe Vera plants are considered poisonous if eaten and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants
Aloe Vera Plant
Light
Water
Water well and then allow the soil to thoroughly dry out before watering again. It can sometimes last 2-3 weeks before it needs water and requires even less moisture in the winter. An Aloe Vera Plant can be saved from severe under-watering, but rarely survives over-watering.
Fertilizer
Aloe Vera plants prefer a different fertilizerPlants need fertilizer only when they are actively growing. Slow growing plants in low light require very little plant food. Too much fertilizer is worse than not enough. Most plants prefer a water soluble plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Plants that are in bloom or dormant should not be fertilized. Houseplant food contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A fertilizer containing these elements in equal proportion is considered a balanced plant food. Nitrogen helps in photosynthesis and encourages the growth of leaves and stems. Potassium and phosphorus also help in photosynthesis and aid in root and flower development. Most fertilizers have trace elements of other minerals that are lacking in the soil but are necessary for good plant growth. Fertilizers have a high salt content. If a plant is not producing new leaves and doesn’t absorb the fertilizer, salts build up in the soil. These salts can burn the roots, discolor the leaves, and cause new growth to be small.
than most houseplants. Feed monthly with a 10/40/10 plant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength.
Temperature
These plants likes dry, warm temperatures between 65°-85°F (18°-29° C). Aloe Vera plants do not do well in temperatures below 40°F (4.5°C)
Humidity
Native to the deserts and need very little humidity.
Pests
There are very few plant pests that bother an Aloe Vera.
Diseases
Root-rot, caused by over watering, is the main problem.
Soil
Grows in almost any type of soil, but a quick draining well-aerated soil with some sand in it is best. A commercial cactus potting soil works well.
Pot Size
Keep in a small pot with drip holes in the bottom; this allows the soil to quickly dry- out and prevents root-rot.
Pruning
Aloe Vera plants rarely need to be pruned.
Propagation
Clean Air Plant
An Aloe Vera plant helps remove benzene, which is released from commercial cleaning products and paint, from the air.
Poisonous Plant Info
Although the sap of an Aloe Vera plant is highly recommended for treating burns, other parts of the plant are poisonousPlants are a great addition to homes and offices, but it’s important to know whether your plants are dangerous to children, pets, or even adults. Some plants contain chemicals such as oxalates, solanine, glycosides, or alkaloid lycorine that may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, swelling and redness of the mouth, throat, and lips, and trouble breathing. Touching parts of certain plants, especially the sap, may cause various skin irritations. The weight and age of the human or pet involved, and the part and amount of plant eaten determine how severe the reaction to the toxins will be. Although plants may be listed as non-toxic, they can still cause individual allergic reactions. If there is any question after a houseplant has been ingested or touched immediately call the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 The Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants [Paperback]is an excellent reference to keep around if you have young children and pets.. This plant has a #1 toxicity levelThese are general guidelines that describe how poisonous certain houseplants are. It's possible for an allergic reaction to occur from contact with any houseplant, toxic or non-toxic. If there is ever a concern, call: Poison Control Center: ******1-800-222-1222******
Level #1: Houseplants with low toxicity, may be mildly irritating, especially the sap of the plant.
Level#2: Houseplants with medium to severe toxicity. Eating parts of these houseplants may result in vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, skin irritations, and breathing difficulties.
Level #3: These houseplants are very poisonous. When eaten, especially in large quantities, severe vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, skin irritations, and breathing difficulties can occur.
Level #4: These houseplants are extremely poisonous. Eating parts of these houseplants can be be life threatening.
Every plant listed in our Popular HousePlant guide has a section explaining whether or not it is poisonous and, if so, how poisonous. Amaryllis, alocasia, dieffenbachias, crotons, ivies, azaleas, lilies, and philodendrons are just a few of the highly poisonous plants we use in our homes and offices all of the time. If you don't know whether your houseplant is poisonous, go to Ask Judy on the HousePlant411.com website, send her a picture of your plant, and she'll let you know if the houseplant should be kept away from small children and pets.
See colorful pictures and get more information about poisonous houseplants in
Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants
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Why does my Aloe Vera Plant get soft mushy leaves?
Aloe Vera Plants get mushy leaves when they are over-watered. Allow the soil to thoroughly dry out or the roots rot and the plant dies.
How can I stop my top-heavy Aloe Vera from falling over? Do Aloe Vera Plants need to be staked?
Planting an Aloe Vera in a heavy pot that is deeper rather than wider prevents the plant from falling over.
How do you propagate an Aloe Vera plant?
Aloe Vera plants are propagated by small plants called offsetsHouseplant offsets, or pups as they are sometimes called, are the baby plants that form at the base of certain houseplants.Plant offsets can be used to easily propagate new plants. Wait until the plant offsets have grown at least several inches, then gently detach them from the "mother"plant. Hopefully the plant offsets will have a few roots of their own at this point. Plant the offsets in a small container and keep the plant barely moist but never soggy at all times. or suckers that grow around the base of the main plant. Carefully remove these offsetsHouseplant offsets, or pups as they are sometimes called, are the baby plants that form at the base of certain houseplants.Plant offsets can be used to easily propagate new plants. Wait until the plant offsets have grown at least several inches, then gently detach them from the "mother"plant. Hopefully the plant offsets will have a few roots of their own at this point. Plant the offsets in a small container and keep the plant barely moist but never soggy at all times., plant them in a small pot of loose soil, water well, and place the container in a warm, dry, sunny location. Aloe Vera plants root very easily.
Why are the long thick leaves of my Aloe Vera plant getting almost transparent on one side? I know I am not over -watering because I always let the soil totally dry out.
I think your Aloe Vera plant is getting leaf damage because the air around the plant is too cold. These are very sensitive to low temperatures so never allow Aloe vera leaves to touch a cold window, keep them away from air conditioning and cold drafts.
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