Aloe vera

Also known as: Aloe vera, Barbados aloe, Medicinal aloe

Aloe barbadensis is a stemless succulent with thick, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves arranged in a rosette. The leaves are grey-green with white spots and have toothed margins. Mature plants produce tall racemes of tubular yellow flowers in summer. Its architectural form and medicinal gel make it a highly valued ornamental and practical houseplant.

Scientific classification

Species: Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Genus: Information to be completed
Family: Asphodelaceae

Toxic if ingested (especially the latex layer just beneath the skin); can cause digestive upset in humans and pets.
Toxicity: Succulent · Houseplants · Perennial
Plant type: 0.5 - 1 metres
Height: 0.5 - 1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Upright · Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 18 – 28 °C
Ideal temperature

Aloe vera pictures

Distribution of Aloe vera

Distribution map

Arabian Peninsula, but widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested (especially the latex layer just beneath the skin); can cause digestive upset in humans and pets.

Quick identification of Aloe vera

Information to be completed

Aloe vera care guide

Allow soil to dry completely between waterings, then water thoroughly. Reduce watering in winter.
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 18 – 28 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Allow soil to dry completely between waterings, then water thoroughly. Reduce watering in winter.

Fertilizing

Every 4 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged leaves at the base as needed. Cut flower stalks after blooming.

Propagation

Propagate by offsets (pups) removed in spring or summer. Allow offsets to dry for a day before potting in well-draining soil. Keep at 20-25°C until rooted. Seeds can also be sown in spring at 21°C.

Growing

Grow in a well-drained, sandy or loamy soil mix. Place in full sun to bright indirect light; a south- or west-facing window is ideal indoors. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and reduce watering in winter. It is not frost-hardy, so bring plants indoors or into a greenhouse when temperatures drop below 10°C. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every four weeks during spring and summer.

More growing and care information →