Aloe Vera - facts and tips on care

Scientific name (Latin): Aloe Vera,Family: Aloe family (Asphodelaceae),If you want to try planting and growing your own aloe vera at home, it is a relatively simple process. You will need a large pot, potting soil, peat moss, gravel, possibly clay pebbles, and of course an aloe vera shoot.

Take out the pot and start by adding a layer of gravel or pebbles to the bottom of it. This is done so that the drainage works and the roots of the plants do not rot. Then fill halfway with potting soil, and the other half with enriched peat moss. Place the aloe vera shoot in the middle of the pot, and cover with soil up to where the leaves begin. Once the plant is placed, you should wait two weeks before watering. It usually has large roots that will keep it in place, and during these two weeks, the roots will continue to grow. Then you can start giving it a little water. Place your aloe vera in a sunny location, in a well-lit corner or on the terrace. You should water it approximately every two weeks, but use sparingly. The plant usually grows quickly, and it will likely shoot up small plants around it. You can pick these up and plant them in new pots when they have grown a bit. A good rule is that they should be about four cm tall before you pick them up and start planting them. Aloe vera easily propagates, so in a short time you will have several new small plants growing. It is important that you remove these small plants from the main plant, so that it can continue to grow in peace.

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Aloe vera is a plant that does not demand too much from its owners, making it ideal for those who do not have natural "green thumbs". It is an easy-care plant that tolerates drought well and is rarely affected by pests or diseases. The plant emits acid and absorbs carbon dioxide, making it especially useful in the bedroom. Remember that it prefers to be in regular room temperature, and thrives best in good light and sun all year round. It can tolerate temperatures down to 5 °C, but at this temperature it is important to be very moderate with watering.

The plant should not be watered more often than a couple of times a month in spring, summer, and autumn. You can advantageously give your aloe vera plant food every other week from spring to autumn. You should also replant it every other year, the best time for this is in spring. Aloe Vera is a so-called succulent plant that thrives well in well-drained soil. If you are going to replant it, you can place it in a clay pot with holes in the bottom, which you first fill with a layer of clay pellets, and then with regular potting soil mixed with a little gravel. There is also a special type of soil for succulent plants that you can buy. In summer, you can leave the aloe vera outdoors in a sunny and protected place, but you must be aware of the amount of rainfall. The plant can rot if it gets too wet.

Aloe vera is a plant that has long been used for medicinal purposes, something our history is evidence of. It is above all the sticky, gel-like sap found in the leaves that we use, as it contains several beneficial substances, such as mucopolysaccharides, anti-inflammatory enzymes, astringent tannins, and a large amount of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. The nutrient-rich sap contains vitamins A, B, C, and E. In the outer layers there is also the substance aloin which has a laxative effect and is cleansing for the intestines. In addition to its health-promoting effects, aloe vera sap is also used as flavor enhancers in several juices and drinks.Aloe vera is also a common ingredient in many products, especially in the cosmetics industry where it can be found in products such as gel, ointments, lip balms, soaps, and sunscreens.

There are signs that aloe vera was used as medicine already during the time of the Egyptians. However, the actual origin of the species is still debated. Most likely, the plant comes from the Cape Verde Islands or the Arabian Peninsula, while at the same time the plant has been cultivated for a long time in the West Indies, India, and East Africa. For medicinal use, there is documentation showing that the plant was used as early as 1500 BC, and in the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great supplied his armies with medicines made from aloe vera. Since 1650, aloe vera has been cultivated as a medicinal plant on Barbados.

The plant's gel-like flesh is considered to have a healing effect, which is why it is used for both internal and external use. Aloe vera is used and can be good for, among other things, burns. As an ingredient, it also occurs in skin creams and a variety of natural remedies.,The plant is also called the "miracle plant", but the real name is actually a combination of the Arabic word Aloë, used to describe species used for medicinal purposes, and the word Vera, which comes from Latin and means true.,,Key facts,There are around 250 different species of Aloe.,The plant grows to about 60 cm high and 60 cm wide.,The leaves are arranged in a rosette shape, with serrated edges.,Contains 75 known nutrients.,Said to have anti-inflammatory properties.