CARING FOR YOUR ALOE VERA PLANTS

The aloe vera plant is a relatively hardy species and easy to keep for the most part. Aloe vera plants can be found in most home and garden stores and are inexpensive as far as potted plants and flowers go. This hardy plant which is native to Africa has been long revered for its medicinal properties and more popular than ever before with regards to its therapeutic use.

There are over 200 species of aloe vera plants. The aloe species is diverse with tiny little miniature plants full grown at two inches and plants that range to over 2 feet in height and width. The aloe plant is attractive and can certainly spruce up a garden, a windowsill arrangement or planters on the back deck. Aloe plants can be mixed in with seasonal flowers for a garden that is unique and beautiful.

With a diverse population of so many different species, the most popular aloe plant in the United States is Aloe barbadensis. It is important that your aloe plant not be exposed to freezing temperatures or it will die. The aloe plant is a succulent plant that does need plenty of sunlight to thrive. It is not uncommon for older aloe plants to suddenly bloom into bright colored flowers. The flower nectar of aloe flowers is a favorite of humming birds and honeybees.

In the active summer season be sure to give your aloe plant plenty of water as its succulent leaves are comprised of 95% fluids. The aloe plant should be potted or planted in quick draining soil in order to avoid root rot. During the winter months, the aloe plant will go "dormant" and require less water during this time. Take that into consideration so as not to expose your plants to conditions that cause root rot or a fungus. Aloe vera care is really not that hard but does require some thought so you plants are available to serve you year round.

Because aloe vera plants have a root system that grows outward rather than deep into the soil, choose planters that are wide so the aloe plant can prosper. A pot should have a couple inches of gravel in the bottom and a drainage hole as well. The best soil for aloe plants is a ready-made cactus soil mix. If you are unable to obtain such a mix just blend regular potting soil with a fifty percent sand mixture. Fertilized just once per year, in the springtime should be just enough to keep your plants happy and healthy all year round.

Every kitchen should have a potted aloe plant in it somewhere. The aloe juice from a broke open aloe plant works wonders on common non-life threatening kitchen burns. Fresh aloe juice is a fantastic soother for sunburns. Fresh aloe juice works wonders on red ant bites and bee stings. Fresh aloe juice can also be applied to skinned knees and elbows and usually helps to accelerate wound healing. Aloe vera can also be used to treat the same conditions on your pets. Plus, a bit of aloe juice can be squeezed onto salads for a solid, delicious and nutritious pick me up. An aloe plant or two lying around certainly provides a quick and easy source of nature's medicine. The aloe plant is truly multi-faceted and we hope you enjoy yours as much as we enjoy ours.