Aloe vera: complete guide to care, properties, and medicinal uses

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) It is one of the most beloved and well-known succulent plants, both for its medicinal properties and for its ease of cultivation and multiplication. Its ability to provide expected benefits In decorative and sanitary settings, it's a must-have for gardens, terraces, and even inside homes. Want to learn more about how to care for Aloe vera and get the most out of its uses? You've come to the right place: here you'll discover tips for cultivation, reproduction, types, cosmetic and medicinal uses, pest prevention, and much more.

Botanical characteristics and varieties of Aloe vera

El Aloe vera, also known as Aloe, Aloe or Barbados Aloe, belongs to the subfamily Asphodeloideae within the family Xanthorrhoeaceae. Although originally from Arabia, its presence today extends throughout warm, subtropical and temperate regions of the world, being a plant of easy naturalization.

It has a basal rosette of up to twenty lanceolate leaves, fleshy, toothed, and deep green, they can measure up to 50 cm in length and 5-7 cm in width. Young leaves may have slight whitish spots that disappear as they mature. The plant generally lacks a stem, although some specimens develop a very short one covered in leaves.

As for its flowers, Aloe vera produces inflorescences that can reach up to 100 cm in height, with clusters of bright yellow flowers, grouped in upright clusters during the warm season.

Common varieties of Aloe vera:

• Aloe barbadensis Miller
• Aloe arborescens
• aloe striata
• aloe brevifolia
• aloe ferox
• Aloe variegata
• aloe ciliaris
• Aloe aristata
• Aloe saporin
• aloe juvenna

Most of these varieties share similar characteristics and cultivation methods, the most common being Aloe barbadensis the most widely used and valued species for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Complete Aloe Vera Care Guide

location and light

Aloe vera is a hardy plant that tolerates direct sunlight well, although it is best to place it in a semi-shadowIn warm, sunny areas, place it where it receives several hours of morning or afternoon sun, protecting it from the hottest hours to avoid leaf burns. Indoors, place it near a bright window, with indirect light. Lack of light can cause withered leaves and weak growth.

Bonus tips:

• Avoid cold drafts, especially in winter, which can damage the plant.
• If you notice brown or white spots on the leaves, they are probably receiving too much direct sunlight.

Optimal temperature

Aloe vera thrives in temperatures between 17 and 27 ° CIt can occasionally tolerate short frosts down to -2°C, but it does not tolerate prolonged frosts or temperatures below 10°C. In cold areas, keep it indoors or in a greenhouse during the coldest months.

Pot and substrate

When growing in a pot, use a container with drainage holes and a depth of 30-50 cm for proper root development. Clay or terracotta pots are preferable to facilitate evaporation of excess water.

The substrate must be very well-draining. You can use specific cactus mixes, coarse sand, black peat, perlite, vermiculite, or gravel. It's essential to prevent the soil from compacting, thus promoting good root development and preventing rot.

It is recommended to add worm humus or compost once a year to improve the fertility of the substrate.

Adequate watering

Aloe vera stores water in its leaves, so it prefers spaced waterings. Before watering, make sure the soil is completely dry. The frequency varies depending on the season and location:

• Spring and summer: 1-2 times per week, depending on environmental dryness.
• Autumn and winter: every 10-20 days, as it requires less water at low temperatures.

A useful trick is to insert a stick into the soil; if it comes out dry, it's time to water. Excess water is the main cause of plant problems.

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In spring and summer, fertilize every 15-20 days with natural mineral fertilizers (such as Nitrofosca) or liquid fertilizers specifically for succulents. Mix the recommended dose into the top layer and water afterwards. Don't overdo it with fertilizers, as Aloe vera is sensitive to salt buildup in the substrate.

Aloe vera transplant

The transplant is preferably performed at the end of winter or beginning of spring. Repot every year or two, when the roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes. For more details, see How to transplant Aloe vera.

Steps for transplanting:

1. Choose a pot 2-3 cm wider than the previous one.
2. Remove the plant carefully so as not to damage the main roots.
3. Place it in the new pot, filling it with the prepared mixture.
4. Water generously to settle the substrate.

To plant in the garden, dig a large hole, mix the soil with sand and perlite, and follow the steps for transplanting into a pot.

Pruning and maintenance

Pruning involves removing dry, damaged, or broken leaves using clean tools. When the flower stem wilts after flowering, cut it back to encourage new leaves and keep the plant healthy. For more details, visit How to cut Aloe vera leaves.

Reproduction and propagation of Aloe vera

Aloe vera can be multiplied by seeds or by youngWe explain how to do it to ensure success.

By seeds

Acquire seeds in spring. Use seed trays with good drainage, such as conventional pots, trays, or recycled containers. Prepare a sandy soil with river sand and vermiculite or fine gravel. Fill almost to the top and place the seeds on the surface, spaced apart.

1. Cover with a thin layer of substrate and water with a sprinkler.
2. Place in a warm and bright place, without direct sunlight.
3. Keep moist by watering every 2-3 days. They will germinate in about two weeks.

Keep seedlings in a seed tray until they are about 5 cm tall before transplanting them into individual pots.

By hijuelos

Suckers are shoots that grow from the base of the parent plant. To separate them:

1. Wait until they are about 4-5 cm long and have several roots of their own.
2. Carefully dig around and separate the sucker without damaging the roots.
3. Let the wounds heal in the shade for two weeks.
4. Plant them in pots with well-drained substrate.

This method is fast and effective for propagating and creating new plants.

Common problems and solutions in Aloe vera

Aloe vera, despite being very hardy, can suffer from pests and physiological problems. Here's a guide to solving them:

Pests

• Mealybugs: They live at the junctions of leaves and stems, feeding on sap. Remove them with a damp cotton swab or use organic insecticides like neem oil.
• Aphids: They colonize flower stems. Remove them manually or treat with potassium soap, neem oil, or trim the affected parts.
• Mites: They appear in dry, warm environments. Control them by increasing humidity and using appropriate insecticides.

Common physiological problems

• Soft leaves: They indicate overwatering. Let the soil dry and, if in a pot, wrap the roots in absorbent paper until dry.
• Brown leaves or white spots: Due to excessive sunlight, relocate to a more protected location.
• Drooping or lifeless leaves: Lack of light; move to a brighter location.
• Root rot: Due to excess water, transplant into new substrate and remove damaged roots.
• Fungi: In humid environments, treat with systemic fungicides in summer and copper or sulfur in spring and fall.

*Expert advice:* Keep the plant healthy with good ventilation, irrigation control, and adequate light, thus reducing its susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Uses of Aloe vera: medicinal, cosmetic and decorative

Aloe vera has been valued since ancient times for its multiple medicinal applications, cosmetics, and decorative items. Its gel and juice are common ingredients in personal care, hygiene, and health products.

Chemical composition and properties

• Water: The plant is made up of a high percentage of water that favors the dissolution and penetration of bioactive substances.
• Essential amino acids: 7 of the 8 necessary for the body and 18 of the 22 non-essential.
• Anthraquinones: Antibacterial, fungicidal, antipyretic, analgesic and laxative properties.
• Sugars: Fructose, glucose, glucomannan, and acemannan; antiviral and anti-inflammatory.
• Enzymes: Amylase, catalase, lipase, among others, which help in cell regeneration.
• Sterols: They lead to an improvement in cholesterol control.
• Emolin, emodin and barbaloin: They generate salicylic acid, with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Lignin and saponin: They penetrate the skin and have antiseptic action.
• Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, among others.
• Mucilage: Emollient effect on the skin.
• Vitamins A, B, B12 and C: They act as antioxidants and help delay aging.

Aloe vera, therefore, is a true natural pharmacy in plant form, which helps heal, hydrate and protect the skin, hair and mucous membranes.

Medicinal and cosmetic uses

• Burns: Its refreshing gel soothes sunburns and heat burns, promoting healing. For more information, visit Properties and benefits of Aloe Vera.
• Skin regeneration: Prevents and reduces wrinkles, expression lines and stretch marks.
• Acne Care: Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action.
• Relief from eczema and irritations: Soothes sensitive and atopic-prone skin.
• Wounds and infections: Its healing and antiseptic action helps with minor wounds.
• Hair care: Strengthens hair, reduces dandruff and promotes growth.
• Oral health: In toothpastes and mouthwashes, for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
• digestive health: Consumed in moderation, it favors intestinal flora and digestion.

Other benefits and applications of Aloe vera

• Purifies the air and absorbs radiation from electronic devices, according to NASA studies.
• It is used in interior decoration for its elegant appearance and low maintenance.
• Create green corners at home, vertical gardens, terrariums or hanging planters.
• In gastronomy, its gel is used in drinks and dishes, thanks to its gelling properties.

How to extract Aloe vera gel and prepare homemade products

Obtaining the gel is simple and allows you to enjoy its benefits at home. To learn more, visit How to recover an Aloe vera plant.

Choose a mature leaf, neither too young nor too old. Cut it near the base with a clean knife. Allow the yellow latex (aloin) to drain, which can be irritating. Then:

• Wash the leaf and cut it lengthwise to extract the pulp with a spoon.
• The gel can be applied directly to the skin for burns or irritations.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Preparation of homemade shampoo with Aloe vera

1. Mix 60 ml of Castile soap, 60 ml of Aloe vera gel, 5 ml of glycerin and 1 ml of vegetable oil in a clean container.
2. Shake well and store in a bottle.
3. Use as a shampoo, applying a small amount and rinsing well.

Prepare Aloe vera juice

• Extract the gel from two mature leaves.
• Blend with water, honey and/or fruit juice to enhance the flavor.
• Drink in small doses, avoiding excessive consumption due to aloin.

Homemade facial cream with Aloe vera

• Pulp of an avocado
• Gel from 4 Aloe vera leaves
• A splash of olive oil

Blend all the ingredients and apply to your face for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Where to buy Aloe vera?

You can purchase it at Nurseries, agricultural stores, garden centers, online stores and supermarkets. Make sure to choose healthy specimens with firm, unblemished leaves. For medicinal uses, choose the Aloe barbadensis Miller.

Aloe vera is not only decorative, but also a natural ally with multiple health benefits, easy to care for and maintain. Its beauty, properties, and usefulness make it a must-have in any home or garden.