aloe vera

Aloe Vera is a rather easy to grow plant. It can be grown indoors almost anywhere and outdoors in select climates. Aloe Vera plants are prized for the gel substance inside their leaves which is used for many types of medicinal purposes.  Growing Aloe Vera plants can be something anyone can do and it lets a person keep an Aloe plant on hand for whenever they need a little Aloe Vera gel.

Aloe Vera is grown naturally in Africa and the Mediterranean(warm climates). In areas that experience cold winters Aloe Vera can be kept as a houseplant or in a pot outside that is brought inside during the cold months. There are almost 250 species of Aloe Vera, but generally all have the same look. Aloe Vera is green, which can vary from dark to a yellowish-green. Some aloe have white markings on them as well. If kept in a warm environment aloe can even produce yellow or orange flowers, but this is rare for Aloe plants that are kept indoors.

Taking care of the plant is quite simple. They do not need a large amount of care and if a person forgets to water them it is actually a good thing for this plant. Aloe Vera needs soil that is well drained, like a light mix of part potting soil and another medium. It should be kept in a sunny location when inside and in sun or partial sun outside.

The main problem with growing aloe is usually over watering. It is easy to tell when the plant has had too much water as it becomes dull in color and the leaves become very soft. If this happens the plant should be allowed to dry out and then watered lightly. This should cure the problem.
Aloe plants reproduce by little off shoots at the base of the main or mother plant. These smaller plants can be taken and potted in their own pot. Cuttings form the leaves can also be taken and re-potted to produce more aloe plants.