A Complete Guide to Growing Aloe Vera: Methods and Precautions

Aloe is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant in the genus Aloe of the family Asphodelaceae, though many people are accustomed to classifying it under the lily family. It originated in arid regions such as Africa and the Mediterranean coast. Its leaves are thick and juicy and can store a large amount of water in the leaf pulp, making it very drought-tolerant. It is a common foliage plant with both ornamental and practical value.

Aloe leaves are mostly lanceolate, with small spiny teeth along the edges, and when conditions are suitable it can send up a flower scape and produce yellow or orange-red flowers. Common varieties include Aloe vera, Chinese aloe, Aloe arborescens, soap aloe, and Aloe nobilis, among which Aloe vera is more widely used, while Aloe nobilis is mostly grown for ornament.

When caring for aloe at home, it is best to use a loose, breathable, well-drained sandy soil and place it in a sunny spot. Water according to the principle of preferring dry over wet, watering thoroughly only after the potting soil has dried out, to avoid root rot caused by waterlogging. Aloe is not cold-tolerant, so in winter it should be moved indoors to a warm place, keeping the temperature no lower than 5°C and reducing watering appropriately.

Aloe is often propagated by division or by cutting off side shoots for cuttings, with a relatively high survival rate. In daily care, problems such as soft and yellowing leaves and rotting roots are prone to occur, mostly related to overwatering or insufficient light, so watering should be controlled promptly and the environment improved. It should be noted that there are many varieties of aloe, and some have strongly irritating sap. If you wish to eat it, first confirm the safety of the variety, and those with sensitive skin should also test it on a small area before external use.