A plant with countless uses, Aloe vera is a succulent plant from the Asphodelaceae family that requires a lot of care and attention. With this method, Aloe vera reproduces indefinitely.
Known since ancient times, aloe vera is now prized for its properties and countless uses in phytotherapeutic and herbal medicine, as well as in cosmetics and food. Aloe vera leaves are the part used to make aloe gel and aloe juice . These products are rich in vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, polysaccharides, water, plant hormones, and anthraquinones.
Aloe vera: what are the properties of the plant crop?
Aloe vera leaves are used to extract the juice, which is especially rich in aloin, glycosides, and emodin . These are ingredients that promote fluid secretion and have laxative properties . Furthermore, products obtained from aloe vera have gastroprotective properties when taken orally and are especially useful for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Some studies and research have confirmed these gastroprotective properties. Furthermore, the gel obtained from Aloe vera leaves has an emollient and soothing effect. Several studies have confirmed that aloe vera can be used to obtain substances that inhibit the production of prostaglandins. This is why it has countless anti-inflammatory properties . Acemannan helps strengthen the human immune system.
Aloe vera: how to grow it and how to stimulate reproduction?
Aloe vera is a very beneficial plant with many properties, but it requires a lot of care. Aloe vera cuttings can be cut during the summer and left to rest in the dark for three days to heal the cut and prevent rot. The same cuttings can be planted in a pot containing sand and peat : they require nutritious, porous soil.
In addition, the soil should allow for rapid drainage. Aloe plants need sunlight, but it shouldn’t be direct sunlight, as this could burn the leaves. Don’t water the aloe plant every day; it doesn’t need much water. The nurseryman’s best advice is to water every 20 days.
Aloe Vera: What fertilizer and compost should I use?
To fertilize this fleshy plant, it’s necessary to resort to organic fertilizers. To fertilize aloe vera, you can use suitable DIY natural fertilizers: you can add coffee grounds, which release antioxidants and nitrogen into the soil, to the porous soil. Alternatively, you can use nettle maceration or vegetable cooking water , which are particularly rich in essential nutrients for aloe vera growth.
Where to place aloe at home?
This succulent plant requires a temperature between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius. Aloe needs sunlight, but it doesn’t have to be direct. For this reason, the plant can be placed in the garden or on a terrace in a shaded area.
It’s also best to avoid places with a fairly high humidity level : a dehumidifier could be the perfect solution to use in the room where you keep the aloe.