Aloe vera

Common Name: Rattlesnake plant, prayer plant, rattlesnake calathea Scientific Name: Goeppertia insignis, formerly Calathea lancifolia

Place your aloe in a bright, sunny place. Otherwise, it will go dormant and stop growing. Water the plant heavily about once every two weeks, waiting until the soil dries out fully. Since this is a desert species, keeping the dirt moist will cause the roots to rot.

The leaves of Aloe vera are succulent, erect, and form a dense rosette. Many uses are made of the gel obtained from the plant’s leaves.

Aloe vera is widely used today in:

• Food – it is approved by the FDA as a flavoring.
• Cosmetics.
• Food supplements.
• Herbal remedies.

Plant Care Basics:

• Lighting: Place your Aloe Vera plant in bright, indirect sunlight or provide artificial light. Ideally, position it near a western or southern window, as Aloe kept in low light may become leggy.
• Temperature: Aloe vera thrives in temperatures between 55 and 80°F (13 to 27°C), making it suitable for most homes and apartments. From May to September, you can move your plant outdoors without issues, but remember to bring it back inside during chilly evenings.
• Humidity: Prefers areas with high humidity.Aim to maintain at least 50% relative humidity. If leaves start to curl up or brown, try placing a water-filled pebble tray or humidifier near the plant.
• Soil: Moist but well-drained.
• Watering: Water Aloe vera plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to feel moist after watering but also allowing it to dry out somewhat before the next watering. Avoid keeping the soil excessively wet to prevent root rot.
  

        As a general guideline, plan to water your Aloe plant approximately every 2-3 weeks in the spring and summer and less frequently during the fall and winter. For fall and

       winter, consider doubling the time between waterings compared to your summer schedule. If you water every two weeks in summer, water every four weeks in winter.

       When watering, allow excess water to drain from the pot’s bottom. Let the pot sit in this water briefly so the soil can absorb it. After 10-15 minutes, discard any remaining  water.

• Fertilizer: Fertilize sparingly, no more than once a month, and only in the spring and summer, using a balanced houseplant formula mixed at half-strength
• Re-poting: When your Aloe Vera becomes root-bound, follow the instructions provided in the “Planting” section for re-potting.
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans.
• Height : 9–20 in. tall, 9–18 in. wide