Aloe vera MEDICINAL ALOE (plant)

Aloe vera, or barbadensis, is a perennial succulent plant native to East Africa and the Mediterranean region. Its leaves are thick, prickly, and can reach up to 60 centimeters in height and 4 cm in thickness.

Its yellow, scentless flowers are arranged in spikes. Flowering begins in November, though the plant must usually be more than 5 years old to start blooming.

- Planting and Cultivation:

• Transplant Aloe vera into a 3-liter pot using a substrate based on peat, potting soil, and sand.
• Firm the soil down during repotting.
• The ideal substrate should be very well-draining and rich in minerals. Use a fine organic potting soil mixed with sand.

- Cultivation Area and Temperatures:

This succulent grows very well in a bright location with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. It can be grown in the ground in USDA Zone 9.

- Irrigation:

It is not necessary to water it often unless the leaves begin to turn red. Watering should be done at the base of the plant and not by spraying the leaves (aerial parts).

- Pests:

Very few pests attack this succulent, although mealybugs can occasionally be found on the leaves.