Lily of the Desert (Aloe Vera)

Member Name: Zmugzy

Product:	Aloe Vera
Date:	11/03/08 (143 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to grow. Healing properties

Disadvantages: Unsuitable for outside growing in temperate climate

Aloe vera also known as the "Natural healer"," Lily of the desert" or the "Plant of immortality", is a species of the Aloe plant, which is part of the lily family. There are about 300 species which originally came from Africa. The aloe plant is about 96% water and takes the form of about 12-16 green fleshy leaves that are long and triangular in shape. On each side of the leaves there are whitish-green lines possessing spiny pointed teeth at the edges.

When grown indoors the plant requires very little care apart from the need to make sure that it is not over-watered. The plant should be grown in a well drained compost with plenty of grit. The plant will not tolerate frost. It is quite an easy plant to take cuttings from, just sap off a stem and push into barely damp compost. It should take root in a couple of weeks or so.

The leaves of the Aloe vera are fleshy and cactus like, in essence this is a succulent plant. The leaves contain a thin clear gel that people often use to soothe minor skin problems, such as sunburn, cuts and superficial burns. Due to its softening properties, Aloe vera is a popular ingredient for many skin and beauty products, including cleansers, moisturisers and soaps.

There have been claims that the plants medicinal properties can boost your immune system, or even treat and cure cancer. But there is no scientific evidence to prove this. Aloe vera can actually be very dangerous and possibly fatal to use if consumed or injected. However, using Aloe vera on the skin for the treatment and soothing of minor skin burns and cuts is generally very safe and can be quite effective.

Summary: Easy plant to grow indoors