Many people think aloe vera is a cactus, but it's actually a cousin of the lily and onion family. It has a short stem, with thick spiky green leaves that grow out from the stem like the petals of a rose. It's known as a succulent perennial and usuallly grows to about 2 or 3 foot tall. It is usually found predominantly in hot, dry climates.



The leaves of the aloe vera plant can grow to over a foot long and about 3 inches across. The leaves are thick and fleshy and hold a lot of water, which means the aloe vera plant can survive extended periods of drought. In all, there are roughly 200 species of aloe, although the plant that has come to be cultivated the most is Aloe Barbadensis Miller, also known as aloe vera or literally, 'true aloe'. You'll find it growing across Texas, Mexico and around the Mediterranean.

Aloe Vera plants are very easy to care for and easy to grow in frost-free climates - either as houseplants or outdoors. However aloe vera plants do need a lot of sunlight, so it's best to place them in a sunny spot, or near a window that gets lots of sunlight. A common mistake that many people make is the tendency to over-water. Remember these plants are succulents - they hold water in their leaves to cope with long periods of drought. So they need less water than you might think.

You can buy aloe vera plants at most plant stores and nurseries. Be sure the pot has good drainage and don't water it too often: overwatering aloe vera plants may cause the spongy leaves to rot at the base of the plant. And do allow container grown plants to dry out before you re-water. The plants often become dormant in winter. Small plants often have white marks on the leaf which disappear as the plant grows.

Aloes are unlikely to get root-bound, but do place them into larger pots as they grow. They like some room in their containers. A mature aloe vera plant will be about 4 years old may get to be about 3 foot high. The leaves grow from the inside of the rosette towards the outside. Occasionally the larger leaves on the outside will droop, and these can be cut away easily.

As the aloe vera plant matures, it produces offshoots, or 'pups' around the main stem. Although they look very pretty, you should remove these as soon as they get large enough to replant on their own. If you don't they may well suck the life right out of the main plant! Doing this also helps keep the plant growing upwards, rather than outwards. The pups do make lovely presents for family and friends.

It's easy to care for aloe vera plants, and they live for a good many years. They provide an interesting focal point in your garden or in your home. And you will be able to give others the gift of aloe through your pups! You'll have the added benefit of your own source of pure aloe vera gel whenever you need it. Gently trim away one of the larger leaves, cut it open with a sharp knife, and rub the clear inner gelly on your skin. It's great for healing burns, scrapes and cuts. It's always good to keep one handy in the kitchen!