Large Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is valued for its astounding skin-soothing properties. To soothe minor burns, bee stings and sunburn cut a piece off the tips and apply the cooling "gel" to the skin. Find out more about the healing properties of Aloe Vera at http://aloeverabenefits.com/

The Aloe Vera is a succulent, used to hot dry conditions. In the home, it is surprisingly easy to care for. It's not frost tolerant, so better suited to the kitchen or the bathroom rather than the garden. It will tolerate a cool room but will not be happy in a dark room or conditions under 8°C.

As a desert plant your Aloe Vera will not need much water. Water a small amount (around half a teacup) every few days to keep the leaves a healthy green.

Aloe Vera are quite slow growers and their size can easily be contained by a small pot. To encourage growth repot your plant once a year. You may also find that over time your plant produces "suckers" or young plants at the base of the mother plant. If desired these can also be gently removed and repotted in ordinary potting compost to produce a whole new generation of plants.

Aloe Veras are pretty resistant to neglect. However, if your plant does start looking sorry for itself, pull off any dead or soft leaves and move to a sunnier position. Brown leaves or tips of the leaves can be a sign of under watering so try watering more regularly. On the flip side, mould at the base or the bottom of the leaves is a sign of over watering or too damp a position, so try a sunnier, airier room and let it dry out for a good week or two before watering.

Find out more about the healing properties of Aloe Vera at http://www.aloehealthuk.com