Aloe vera, also known as True Aloe or Medicinal Aloe, is a tough succulent plant which has long been cultivated as a herb for its medicinal value as well as for its bold and sculptural waxy green foliage and tall yellow flower spikes. It has a place in the herb garden or can be easily grown near your backdoor for handy access to leaves for its juice or sap which is used to soothe and heal minor skin ailments, it is well known and has long been used for its regenerative properties. Simply pick the leaves and apply the sap directly to the damaged areas.
How to grow Aloe Vera
The ideal way to grow the plant is in freely draining soil in a sunny position. Full sun is best but it will tolerate up to partial shade.
This is a very drought tolerant plant that only needs watering when it has dried out almost completely, so once a week is generally enough. It is very hardy and will survive periods with little to no water with little visible stress.
A light application of fertiliser in spring and removal of any dead foliage is all the maintenance required to keep the plant looking good.
Aloe Vera can be multiplied by dividing the smaller shoots or “pups” from the main clump and beginning them as separate plants. The small clumps that grow at the base of the main plant can be removed and used to propagate many more.
For more information on useful plants check out Angus’ section on Growing your own herbs
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