How to grow Aloe

Aloe barbadensis

Partial Sun
OR
Dappled Sun
Low

Very easy to grow in a temperate climate. If you are in a particularly hot and dry climate this plant does well with part shade.

Very short stem succulent plant, spreading by off sets. Leaves are fleshy and green to gray and some varieties have flecks of white. The margins are serrated and has white small teeth.¹

Requires well-drained, poor, slightly acidic soil and full sun. Frost protection is essential. ²

Growing Aloe from seed

The easiest way to grow this plant is to pull of one of the smaller child plants that it creates near the base.

Transplanting Aloe

Transplants easily. Soil does not need to be particularly good but should have good drainage.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Aloe is a half hardy plant.

Harvesting Aloe

To use Aloe for a sunburn, pull off one of the outer leaves and rub it on your skin. You can also slice the leaf down the middle.

How long does Aloe take to grow?

These estimates for how long Aloe takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

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Aloe Etymology

The genus name Aloe is derived from the Arabic, Alloch or Alloeh², and translated as Allal in Greek and Hebrew, meaning “shining bitter substance”, which describes aloe sap³.

Other names for Aloe

Aloe vera, Chinese Aloe, Indian Aloe, True Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant, Wand of Heaven, Miracle Plant

Footnotes

¹ Guide to Houseplants

² “The South African Gardeners Survival Manual, by Ann Bonar; First published 1985”

³ Aloe Vera