Called by the ancient Egyptians "Plant of Immortality.". It is said that Cleopatra used its juices to help preserve her beauty.
Growing Aloe vera:
Aloe vera is a succulent plant with fleshy beautiful green leaves that fan from the stemless base. In warm climates it produces narrow tubular yellow flowers.
Cape aloe is tall single stemmed species that has long, greyish, spiny succulent leaves and tall spikes of tawny orange flowers.
Position:
Aloe vera requires a sunny location and very well drained soil.
Propagation:
Aloe vera can be grown from seed but it usually only sets seed in warm climates. Propagate it from offsets that form at the base of the plant. Allow these plantlets to dry for two days before planting them into pots filled with gritty well draining potting mix. When they are well established you can then transfer them to their more permanent location.
Maintenance:
Aloe vera is affected by the lightest of frosts, and in areas that fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to plant this succulent in pots that can be brought indoors during the winter. It is an excellent plant for the home in good light.
Pest and Diseases:
Mealybug may be problematic for aloe being grown indoors but is rarely a problem for Aloe being grown outdoors.
Mealybug Control
- Prune out light infestations or dab insects with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Do not over water or overfertilize — mealybugs are attracted to plants with high nitrogen levels and soft growth.
- Commercially available beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewing and the Mealybug Destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri), are important natural predators of this pest.
- Use the Bug Blaster to hose off plants with a strong stream of water and reduce pest numbers. Washing foliage regularly with a leaf shine — made from neem oil — will help discourage future infestations.
- Insecticidal soap contains potassium salts of fatty acids, which penetrates and damages the outer shells of soft-bodied insect pests, causing dehydration and death within hours.
- If pest levels become intolerable, spot treat with a short-lived, natural pesticide that does NOT persist in the environment.
- Washing foliage regularly with a leaf shine will help discourage future infestations.
Harvesting and storing:
You can snap off the leaves as needed, cut the used end back to the undamaged tissue, then wrap in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for further use.
Herbal use:
Parts used, leaves. The clear gel from the center of the leaves has anti-inflammatory and healin0g properties. Probably best known for encouraging the healing of burns but it can also be applied to wounds, abrasions, eczema, psoriasis and ulcers.
The exudate from the cut Aloe vera leaf acts as an extremely cathartic laxative, and consequently, homemade preparations should not be should not be consumed. Commercial preparations (without the laxative constituents ) are available, and preliminary research shows that they may be beneficial in a range of conditions, including non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and high blood lipid levels.
Do not take Aloe vera internally if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Natural Beauty:
Aloe vera is ultra soothing and nourishing for parched dehydrated skin, Aloe vera also is a mild exfoliant , gently removing dead skin cells while stimulating cell regeneration, helping prevent scaring and also helps diminish wrinkles.
Anti ageing hand mask:
1 Tablespoon Honey
3 Tablespoons Aloe vera gel
1Teaspoon lemon juice
10 drops lemon essential oil
Almond meal, enough to make a paste.
Melt Honey over low heat. In a small bowl combine the Aloe vera gel with the honey and the lemon juice. Add the essential oil and mix.
Add enough almond meal to make a soft paste, it should not be too sloopy. Smooth mask over clean hands paying particular to the backs of your hands and knuckles. Leave for 20 minutes then rinse with warm water and apply moisturizer.
I hope this may help whoever may need any of this information. I do want to address medical issues, I do not post any information to replace medical care. If anyone needs medical care please do not rely on my blog for your health needs. Thank you.
