Aloe Vera has variegated leaves that flow out from its center base. Aloe can be kept in a pot in the kitchen near a window for every day use. The juice from its leaves will relieve pain from scrapes and burns.

Planting

• Plant in wide containers with a well-draining potting mix, such as for cacti/succulents.
• Place in indirect sunlight or artificial light.

Care

• Water aloe deeply but then allow the soil to dry at least 1 to 2 inches deep between waterings, in order to discourage rot; water even less in winter.
• Aloe plants produce offsets or plantlets or “babies” that can be removed to produce an entirely new plant. 
  Knock your Aloe out of its pot and find where the offsets are attached. Sever them from the mother plant with a knife. Allow the cuts on the offsets and the mother plant to callus over for a day or two. Pot them in a standard potting mix. Put in a sunny location. Wait a week to water and keep the soil on the dry side.

Pests/Diseases

Aloes are prone to mealybugs and scale.  Some common diseases are root rot, soft rot, fungal stem, and leaf rot.

Recommended Varieties

Other especially attractive aloes include the Tiger or Partridge Breasted Aloe (Aloe variegata) and Lace Aloe (A. aristata).

Wit & Wisdom

• Aloe vera will decorate a kitchen shelf with quiet grace while doing double duty as a self-regenerating first-aid kit. Read more about the natural health benefits of aloe vera.
• One of aloe’s most famous uses is to soothe sunburnt skin, and it can be also used for cold sores.