Aloe Vera (Aloe vera): Medicinal Succulent for Every Home

Aloe vera (Aloe vera, syn. A. barbadensis) is the most famous medicinal succulent, grown for the clear, cooling gel inside its thick, lance-shaped, gray-green leaves. The gel soothes burns, cuts, and skin irritations. It also produces tall spikes of yellow, tubular flowers in summer.

Growth

Forms a stemless or short-stemmed rosette 1–2 feet tall, offsetting freely to form colonies. The leaf margins have small, soft teeth. Very drought-tolerant.

Care

Bright light (some direct sun); well-draining cactus/succulent soil. Water deeply but infrequently—allow to dry completely. Minimal fertilizer. Hardy in zones 9–11; universal houseplant. Repot when crowded.

Taxonomy

• Family: Aloaceae (Asphodelaceae)
• Genus: Aloe
• Species: vera
• Synonyms: Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vulgaris, Aloe indica, Aloe lanzae, Aloe perfoliata var. barbadensis