Aloe Vera is a clump-forming succulent prized across India for the soothing clear gel inside its thick, spiky, blue-green leaves. Native to the Arabian Peninsula and naturalised throughout dry tropical regions, it forms a rosette of upright, serrated-edged blades and occasionally sends up tubular yellow flower spikes. Almost indestructible, it stores water in its leaves and tolerates heat, drought and poor soil. Grown widely as a windowsill and balcony plant, it is valued for skin and hair care, easy propagation through offsets, and its reputation as an auspicious, low-maintenance houseplant.
Specifications
| Family |
Asphodelaceae |
| Native region |
Arabian Peninsula |
| Mature height |
30–60 cm |
| Mature spread |
30–60 cm |
| Growth rate |
Slow to moderate |
| Foliage |
Thick, fleshy, serrated grey-green succulent leaves |
| Flower colour |
Yellow to orange |
| Flower season |
Summer (occasional) |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical, arid |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright indirect to full sun; some afternoon shade in peak summer |
| Watering |
Sparingly; soak then let soil dry fully between waterings |
| Soil / mix |
Gritty, fast-draining cactus/succulent mix |
| Temperature |
15–35°C; protect from frost |
| Humidity |
Low; dislikes damp, humid air |
| Fertilizer |
Dilute balanced feed once in spring/monsoon, rarely needed |
| Pruning |
Remove dried or damaged outer leaves at the base |
| Repotting |
Every 2–3 years or when crowded with offsets |
| Propagation |
Separate offsets (pups) from the base |
| Pests & problems |
Mealybugs, scale, root rot from overwatering |
| Toxicity / safety |
Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested (latex) |
| Difficulty |
Very easy |
Uses
<p>Leaf gel is widely used for skin, burns and hair care; also a decorative, auspicious succulent for sunny windowsills and balconies.</p>
Growing tips
<p>In India keep it on a bright balcony and water far less during the monsoon to avoid root rot; bring under cover in heavy rain.</p>