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Esther van der Berg
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Mallo1904
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
Naturalised
Habit
Shrub
Origin
Naturalised
Flowering
Summer, Monsoon, Winter
Edible
No
Sun
Full sun
Water
Moderate, let it dry between · drought tolerant
Drainage
Needs to drain well
Soil
Loam, sandy
Started from
Suckers
Flowers can attract nectar-feeding insects and birds.
- Plant a healthy offset in a 20-30cm pot with a very free-draining mix.
- Give it bright light or full sun, and water deeply but only after the soil has fully dried, never let the pot stand in water.
- Harvest mature outer leaves sparingly.
- Important: don't treat aloe as a food or medicine without knowing the difference between the clear inner gel and the yellow latex just beneath the skin, which can have a strong laxative effect.
A long history of traditional and household use across South Asia and elsewhere.
- The clear inner gel is used in cosmetics and some traditional preparations; leaves are also used in a few foods, but the yellow latex just under the skin is not something to consume casually.
These uses are documented for information only and are not medical advice. Always verify the species and the plant part before use.
Widely cultivated in India, especially in dry and semi-arid regions including Gujarat.