Common names: Aloe Cactus, Babosa, Sabila

Family: Asphodelaceae

Origin: Africa

Aloe Vera is a very versatile and popular succulent plant with medicinal, cosmetic and landscaping applications. It has moisturising, anti-inflammatory, healing and antibacterial properties and acts as a natural antioxidant and antiviral. The long, robust and shiny leaves with strong spiky edges, combined with other plants of different textures and colours, create very interesting landscaping and ornamental effects. Easy to maintain, it can be placed in a decorative ceramic or terracotta pot to create a rustic atmosphere.

Fun fact: The transparent sap inside the leaves, which resembles a gel and is used for medicinal, therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, is drunk in Asia as a medicine for coughs, ulcers and gastritis.

Note: The image is illustrative, the pot is not included and the appearance of the plant may vary according to its size and the time of year.

Climate: Equatorial, Subtropical, Tropical

Category: Shrubs, Tropical Shrubs, Cacti and Succulents, Perennial Flowers, Medicinal

Height: Can reach 2 metres

Light: Half shade, full sun

Temperature: 20-25º C. Minimum critical temperature: 5º C

Watering: Only when the drought is prolonged

Cultivation: In well-drained, light soil, enriched with organic matter and irrigated at regular intervals.

Flowering season: March – May

Harvest: After 12-18 months, in summer. The leaves can be harvested 3 times a year, with 2-3 leaves being plucked from each plant.

Life cycle: Perennial

Propagation: By cuttings from the base of the plant and its stem or by leaf or stem cuttings.