Aloe vera

aloe vera
Medicinal aloe. Upright grey-green leaves. Tall yellow flowers in spring. Clustering.
Aloe vera
synonyms Aloe barbadensis
height 2–3ft
width 2–3ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Pots, Salt, Wind
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 Aloes thrive on neglect, making them one of the easiest garden plants for California. They are drought-tolerant, and most will not need additional water once established in the coastal garden. Most aloes will be plump with many bright vibrant blue or green leaves during their growth season. It’s natural for these same plants to show stress during their dry season, often turning shades of red, orange or brown, giving added seasonal interest to the succulent garden. During this time the leaves will curl in on themselves, and often shrivel up and shed from the base. If you prefer a lush look, watering once dry will keep them plump.

Avoid overhead watering in the crown; when water collects there, it may lead to crown rot.
hardy
to		 23F
exposure Part Sun – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix
fertilizing All Purpose 1/2 Strength, Low Needs
origin Arabian Peninsula
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 13–23

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Once the flower stalks are completely bloomed out and dry, they will come out with a light tug, or can be pruned off low in the crown.

Special Interest

To use the medicinal leaves cut into the inner jelly pulp and rub it on affected area. Aloe vera is also edible. You can save the leaves for use later by putting them in a ziplock in the fridge.

Since it suckers from the base this aloe is easily propagated by removing suckers (bonus points if you get roots) planting them in a quick draining mix and waiting a week to water.