Family: Asphodelaceae
Scientific name: Aloe vera
Common name: Aloe vera
Origin: Arabia

The Aloe vera is a plant known through many applications in cosmetics, but also as a disinfectant or hydrating body lotion to ease sunburn. The genus Aloe has a number of different species which were brought onto the market as Aloe vera. However, this species is the real Aloe vera. The succulent plant can be kept as a houseplant, and because it loves lots of sun, the windowsill always proves to be the right spot. In nature the blue-green leaves are up to about 50 cm and the plant produces a yellow inflorescence of 90 cm high. As a houseplant, the Aloe vera will remain smaller. The leaves are thick and toothed.

In summer you can water the plant regularly. However, in winter the soil may regularly dry out.

Sowing descriptions: Sow the seeds in a mixture of sowing ground and silver sand (50-50). Cover lightly. Constantly keep the soil moisty and cover the pot/container with some foil or glass. Let the seeds germinate on a bright and warm spot. Germination can take 1 to 3 months.

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 15 degrees Celsius

Photo 1: CoolGarden.me
Photo 2: Valérie and Agnès, Jardin Botanique de Barlecone