Growing
Easy-Care Aloe Vera, Nature’s Burn Ointment
By Melinda Myers
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[January 11, 2023]
Grow your own burn ointment by adding Aloe vera
to your indoor plant collection. This succulent has been used for
centuries to treat superficial burns, cuts, sunburns, and more.
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The gel inside the leaves is the medicinal part of
the plant. Just cut away the outer part of the leaf and use just the
gel on the problem areas. Make sure to remove the latex plant sap
located between the outer layer (skin) of the leaf and the gel that
can cause skin irritation. It is always best to test a small area of
your skin first.
You may have read about Aloe vera being used in beverages and
desserts. Properly prepare the aloe before consuming. Make sure to
remove the latex and use only the gel to avoid cramps, diarrhea, and
stomach upset. Keep Aloe vera plants out of the reach of children,
cats, and dogs.
Plant Aloe vera in a container with drainage holes. Consider using a
clay pot that allows the soil to thoroughly dry between watering and
prevent larger often top-heavy plants from tipping over. Use a pot
as wide as it is deep whenever possible to accommodate the spreading
nature of this plant.
Cover the drainage hole with a coffee filter or piece of paper
towel. This prevents the potting mix from leaking out the drainage
holes after planting. Use a well-drained cacti and succulent potting
mix.
Grow this plant in a sunny window along with your other cacti and
succulents. South and unobstructed east or west-facing windows are
usually the best. Set it under artificial lights if a brightly lit
location is not available.
Water thoroughly whenever the top third of the soil is dry. Avoid
applying water over the center of the plant where it can collect
between the leaves and lead to rot. Pour off excess water that
collects in the saucer.
Prevent early death of your plant by avoiding waterlogged soil.
Watering too often or allowing the pot to sit in excess water can
lead to root rot and the death of the plant. You will need to water
less often in winter when days are shorter, light intensity is lower
and plant growth is limited.
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Keep plants away from cold drafts and temperatures
below 50 degrees Fahrenheit that can damage the plants. Northern
gardeners may need to move the plants back a bit from the window in
winter as outside temperatures drop.
Clean leaves occasionally with a damp rag. This
removes any dust that may collect on the leaves and helps reduce the
risk of insect pests such as mealy bugs and aphids. These plants are
sensitive to many chemicals so check the label and test a leaf
before treating the whole plant if additional treatment is needed.
Watch for small plants to form at the base of the original plant.
You can use these offsets, often called plantlets or pups, to start
new plants to grow or share with others. Use a sharp knife to
separate the small plants, roots and all, from the parent plant.
Repot the offsets in small containers just an inch or two larger
than the remaining root system.
Enjoy the beauty and medicinal benefits of this easy-care plant.
Then consider gifting a few to your favorite gardeners and cooks.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including
the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and
Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow
Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated
Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and
contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is
www.MelindaMyers.com.
[Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com]
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