Aloe vera . . .
or, as we say, 'Allo, Vera, 'ow yer doin', ducks?'
I planted a selection of Aloe vera plants in a shallow bowl in February.
They grew rapidly and have produced offsets, called ‘pups,’ which could be potted separately. They are relatively easy to look after and, as they are succulents, they do not need enormous amounts of water. In fact, the advice is to allow them to dry out completely between waterings. They enjoy bright light but can get ‘sunburnt’ and turn red if subjected to too much direct sun.
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In their natural habitat, they produce tall spikes of yellow flowers, but are unlikely to do so in temperate climates. Having said that, I have just seen a flowering aloe advertised on ebay. As it’s being sold in a 9cm pot, I don’t think it will be flowering very soon; it is more a case of it being a plant that could flower, with luck.
Aloe vera originates from the Arabian Peninsula in southwestern Asia. The Arabian Peninsula is the birthplace of Islam and is the largest peninsula in the world, with Saudi Arabia occupying around four fifths of it.
The Ancient Egyptians called Aloe vera ‘the plant of immortality’ and it was believed that Cleopatra used the gel from the leaves more than 2,000 years ago as a cosmetic. The gel is both soothing and hydrating.
In modern times, Aloe vera is cultivated for use in products to alleviate sunburn or insect bites as well as in cosmetics and hair care. Agricultural production is conducted in many countries including Australia, China, India, Mexico and South Africa. Most of the harvest is used in the cosmetics industry, but some may be included in the manufacture of facial tissues and shaving cream, because of its moisturising, emollient properties.
I have found that squeezing the cooling gel from a leaf onto a scalded or sore hand brings immediate relief, though other people may report an adverse reaction to it. It's toxic to humans and animals, so not suitable for curious animals or inquisitive tots, who enjoy learning through their mouths.
I've only ever seen one variety of aloe.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see the different varieties, but annoyingly, I can't seem to identify them, not that it matters.
DeleteWhat a fine collection of aloes you have and very attractively displayed. I haven't had an aloe in many years. A fascinating plant.
ReplyDeleteThey do grow quite large, for a succulent, and need splitting and repotting eventually.
DeleteInteresting. I've never tried growing an aloe vera and am now wondering how it would fare in the NEScotland climate.
ReplyDeleteWe put ours outside in the summer, but they collapse at the first hint of frost.
DeleteInteresting to see a different variety. I've had no luck with these at all and having read your post think that perhaps I've overwatered .
ReplyDeleteI wanted to grow them successfully in order to use some of the precious gel in my soapmaking, perhaps I should try again.
Alison in Wales x
It goes against the grain to let plant soil dry out, but some plants need that. It would be lovely to have some for your soap. I could send you some pups if you like?
DeleteThat is so very kind of you. The last lot I had came from a neighbour and I'm pretty sure that she has a plentiful supply so now that I know how to care for them properly I can ask her for some more.......😀 If by chance she doesn't have any I'll come back to you if that's ok?
DeleteMany Thanks, Alison x
Of course, Alison. Get some cactus/succulent growing medium - they do well in that :-)
DeleteMany thanks.
ReplyDeleteEven if squeezing the cooling gel from a leaf onto a scalded or sore hand doesn't always bring immediate relief, it is well worth having the option available. As we get older and the hands less steady, scalded hands are becoming inevitable.
I must admit that my (infrequent) scalds and burns are more to do with impatience and carelessness than anything else.
DeleteI like how you've displayed your selection of plants. I find many houseplants so contrary, they like plenty of water but don't water too much, they like sun but don't put them in direct sunshine, they can tolerate shade but like a well-lit room. It's a minefield!
ReplyDeleteIt sometimes seems that they each need an individual micro climate. Most of ours are in our conservatory.
DeleteThanks to you, I know now all about my body and face cream ! I didn't know anything about this plant. It's really great, I use a green gel for my face and a normal white cream for the body. My skin is happy !
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know :-)
DeleteI had an itchy reaction to aloe vera gel when I tried it many years ago, so now I use other things. My daughter "no-one" had a small one of the spotted spiny variety and also a spiny striped one, both grew out of their pots almost immediately so were planted in a bed in the yard where the promptly set down roots and took over in one summer.
ReplyDeleteMust have been the perfect conditions for them. Did they flower?
DeleteDaughter-in-law swears by the sap of the aloe vera plants she has for burns and bites. I find it impossible to say aloe vera without putting on a (bad) northern accent.
ReplyDeleteIn this house it's a Cockney accent - can't resist it!
DeleteI have kept a plant for decades. I am always getting tiny burns and this fixes it for the better really quick. Never thought of starting any by seed though.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it could be grown from seed - I've never thought of that.
DeleteI've used Aloe Vera for sunburn, but out of a bottle not directly from the leaves.
ReplyDeleteIt's effective, isn't it?
DeleteI have several aloe plants in my house, although none of them are in the kitchen. I seem to do well with succulents. Two of the plants are, I think, over 10 years old. I've read that aloe is easy to grow from seed, but it seems it would be easier from pups.
ReplyDeleteAre your elderly aloes enormous?
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ReplyDeleteVera has a very broad Yorkshire accent in our house as well!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there are Welsh and Irish Veras, too - I'm sure there must be ;-)
DeleteI have SO many plants- Aloe is very productive! Lately I have been tossing the babies in the compost and I am sure that makes people shudder!
ReplyDeleteWe use Aloe for wounds and skin and burns- Effective!
It's not possible to keep all the babies. Perhaps you could set up a cottage industry at your garden gate - 3 for the price of 2, maybe, or even - FREE.
DeleteWe learned about aloe Vera when we lived in Florida many years ago and have kept them as a houseplant ever since. The gel is excellent on burns unless one is allergic. We have never had one that flowered. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI had to buy new ones because last year I had left the old ones out in the garden too long and they didn't like the cold. We've only put two outside this year. They do like their summer holiday ;-)
DeleteI've never tried growing aloe vera but you got me at relatively easy to look after! xxx
ReplyDeleteOnce established, they take off like a rocket! Very satisfying:-)
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