Aloe Vera
Aloe barbadensis miller
The ultimate multi-purpose succulent that serves as both a beautiful houseplant and a natural medicine cabinet. Its thick, gel-filled leaves provide soothing relief for burns and skin irritations while requiring minimal care. This ancient healing plant thrives indoors and produces stunning orange flower spikes when mature.
Harvest
180-365d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
10–12
USDA hardiness
Height
12-24 inches
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Spring, Winter
Edibility: Causes low toxicity if eaten. Used medicinally and in drinks when properly prepared.
History & Origin
Origin: Arabian Peninsula
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Salt
- +Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Songbirds
- +Edible: Causes low toxicity if eaten. Used medicinally and in drinks when properly prepared.
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Leaves): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Jade Plant
Similar water and light requirements, both thrive in well-draining soil
Echeveria
Compatible watering schedule and both prefer bright, indirect light
Haworthia
Nearly identical care requirements and both are slow-growing succulents
Snake Plant
Both tolerate drought and prefer infrequent watering with good drainage
Sedum
Similar soil drainage needs and both store water in their leaves
Zebra Plant
Compatible light requirements and both prefer dry conditions between waterings
Rosemary
Both prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions
Lavender
Similar preference for sandy, well-draining soil and minimal watering
Keep Apart
Ferns
Require consistently moist soil and high humidity, opposite of aloe's needs
Impatiens
Need frequent watering and rich, moist soil which can cause aloe root rot
Hostas
Prefer shade and consistent moisture, creating incompatible growing conditions
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally resistant to most diseases when not overwatered
Common Pests
Mealybugs, scale insects, aphids
Diseases
Root rot from overwatering, leaf spot in humid conditions