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Aloe vera is lovingly called the ‘plant of immortality’ and has been valued for centuries due to its therapeutic and medicinal attributes. There are numerous reasons why you will want an aloe vera plant in the house. Highly in demand in the skincare and hair care industries, aloe vera is recognised as a good moisturiser, conditioner, and healing agent.
Aloe vera gel possesses cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it a great natural solution for sunburn or damaged skin. The application of aloe vera gel to the part of the skin that’s affected helps calm the skin, reduces redness, and alleviates discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties speed up the recovery of wounds and minor cuts.
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The aloe vera gel deeply moisturises the skin and is not greasy. This makes it work for all skin types, particularly those that are oily or prone to acne. It effectively addresses acne concerns too by reducing inflammation and eliminating acne-causing bacteria.
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It has beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, which keep the skin firm. Not just skin; aloe vera is good for hair too. Its antifungal properties help treat dandruff and scalp infections. It also acts as a natural conditioner.
Also Read: Kuvar Pak, A Sweet Made With Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is also widely believed to be beneficial for overall health. It’s anti-inflammatory and can help manage chronic inflammatory conditions. It’s not just the gel and the juice; having an aloe vera plant at home can improve the air quality by eliminating harmful toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. The plant hardly needs any maintenance and thrives in small pots, which can be placed either indoors or outdoors.
Propagating Aloe Vera
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Offsets are tiny shoots that sprout near the main plant. Carefully detach the shoot from the parent plant, making sure it has a few roots intact. Place the new shoot in a small pot filled with soil that drains well. Water gently.
Choosing The Right Aloe Vera Plant
When you are choosing an aloe vera plant, pick a healthy one with firm, bright green leaves and no signs of damage or disease.
Preparing The Pot And Soil
Make sure to pick a pot that is a bit bigger than the plant's root ball. Aloe vera thrives in snug conditions, but it's important to provide enough space for the roots to grow. Opting for terra cotta or clay pots is ideal since they promote quicker drying of the soil, preventing root rot. Don't forget to check if the pot has drainage holes to allow any excess water to drain out. Opt for a well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent potting mix.
Planting Aloe Vera
Fill the pot with your prepared soil mix, leaving a gap at the top. Position the aloe vera plant in the middle of the pot, ensuring the root ball is around an inch below the rim. Fill in the space around the plant with more soil, softly pressing it down to remove air pockets. Keep the lower leaves slightly above the soil surface. Water the plant lightly after planting to help with soil settling.
Caring for Aloe Vera
Watering:
The aloe vera plant needs to be watered deeply but not too often. The soil needs to be completely dried out before it is watered again. Watering every 3 weeks is usually enough, but this may need to be altered, keeping the climate and the size of your pot in mind. It is better to water the soil directly instead of watering the leaves. Overwatering the aloe vera plant can cause the yellowing of leaves, mushy stems, and root rot. On the other hand, underwatering can cause thin and curling leaves.
Light:
Aloe vera thrives in bright and indirect sunlight. It's best to keep it close to a sunny window so it can soak up at least 6 hours of light every day. If you decide to put your aloe vera outside, make sure it's in a spot that gets some shade to protect it from getting sunburned.
The ideal temperature range for aloe vera is 13°C to 27°C. While it can handle higher temperatures, it is important to protect it from frost. If you're in a region with freezing temperatures, remember to bring the plant indoors when the weather gets cold.
Harvesting Aloe Vera
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Make sure to pick the mature leaves from the outermost section of the plant. Look for leaves that are sturdy and thick. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim the leaf near the plant's base. Let the cut release a yellowish sap (aloin) before extracting the gel inside.
Using the Gel
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Cut the leaf in half and remove the transparent gel. Keep the gel in a sealed container in the fridge for a week.
