Approx height (including pot): 12 cm
Pot diameter: 7 cm
Decorative pot: Ceramic
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is one of the world's most recognized and beloved houseplants, cherished for centuries for both its ornamental beauty and remarkable medicinal properties. Native to the Arabian Peninsula and now cultivated worldwide, this hardy succulent was called "the plant of immortality" by ancient Egyptians and remains a staple in homes around the globe.
The plant features thick, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves arranged in an attractive rosette pattern. The leaves are typically green to blue-green, lined with small serrated teeth along the edges, and contain the famous clear gel renowned for its soothing and healing properties. Mature plants can reach up to 60 cm in height and occasionally produce tall flower spikes with tubular yellow or red blooms, though flowering is rare indoors.
Care Requirements:
Benefits: Air-purifying qualities (NASA Clean Air Study), medicinal gel for minor burns and skin irritation, extremely low-maintenance, produces "pups" (offsets) for easy propagation.
⚠️ Toxicity Warning: Aloe vera is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested. The plant contains saponins and anthraquinones that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The clear inner gel is generally safe for topical human use, but ingestion should be avoided. Keep out of reach of pets and children.Botanical Info: Family: Asphodelaceae | Origin: Arabian Peninsula | Type: Succulent perennial | Size: Up to 60 cm
Lungime: 10 cm
Greutate (kg): 0.5 Kg
Denumire: Aloe
Diametru: 7 cm
Cerințe lumină: Partial umbra
Tip plantă: Suculente
Utilizare: Interior
Tip suport: Ghiveci
Material Suport: Ceramica
Yes, Aloe vera is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses according to the ASPCA. The plant contains saponins and anthraquinones that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite if ingested. While the clear inner gel is generally safe for topical use on humans, the outer leaf contains latex compounds that are harmful to pets. Keep Aloe vera plants out of reach of animals, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has eaten any part of the plant.
Water your Aloe vera only when the soil is completely dry – typically every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer, and even less frequently in winter. As a succulent, Aloe vera stores water in its leaves and is highly susceptible to root rot from overwatering. Insert your finger 2-3 cm into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. When you do water, soak thoroughly and allow excess water to drain completely. Never let the plant sit in standing water.
Yes, the clear gel inside Aloe vera leaves can be used topically to soothe minor burns, sunburn, and skin irritations. To harvest, cut a mature outer leaf close to the base, slice it lengthwise, and scoop out or apply the clear gel directly to the affected area. Avoid the yellowish latex layer just beneath the outer skin, as it can cause irritation. The gel is safe for human skin but should not be ingested without proper processing, and should never be used on pets.
Brown or mushy leaves typically indicate overwatering and potential root rot – the most common problem with Aloe vera. Check that your pot has drainage holes and that you're allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Other causes include: too much direct sunlight (causing sunburn/brown patches), cold damage from temperatures below 10°C, or natural aging of lower leaves. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant, trim any damaged roots, let it dry for a day, and repot in fresh, dry cactus soil.
Aloe vera is easily propagated through offsets (called "pups") that grow at the base of mature plants. Wait until pups are at least 7-10 cm tall with their own roots, then carefully separate them from the mother plant using a clean knife. Allow the cut end to dry for 1-2 days to form a callus, then plant in well-draining cactus soil. Water sparingly until established. Note that Aloe vera cannot be propagated from leaf cuttings – only through pups or seeds.