Aloe vera (True or Medicinal Aloe)
Michael's Opinion
Aloe vera is widespread and is the most popular of the Aloe species with over $13 billion in sales yearly of Aloe related products. Aloe vera originated in the Arabian Peninsula some 5 million years ago and has been in cultivation for 2, 000 years with its proximity to ports and trading routes establishing it as the significant Aloe species.
Botanical Information
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Species | vera |
| Category | Tropicals |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 9a - 11b |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -10 - 10 |
| Temperature (°F) | 14 - 50 |
| Height | 0.6 - 1 m |
| Spread | 0.6 - 1.5 m |
| Growth | Medium |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Upright-spreading. |
| Landscape | Ideal for rock gardens, arid landscapes, as a container plant, in mass arid plantings, as a potted indoor or patio plant or as a specimen. |
| Propagation | Division of clumps. |
| Cultivation | Requires well-drained, neutral, sandy potting soil in full sun to partial shade. Requires protection from any harsh weather conditions. |
| Pests | Spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects and aphid species. |
| Notable Specimens | Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Dry mountain slopes. |
| Leaf Description | Thick, fleshy, erect lanceolate leaves that are serrated with small teeth. |
| Flower Description | The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower pendulous, with a tubular corolla 2 - 3 cm long. |
| Colour Description | Pale green to sage green leaves. White serrations. |
| Texture Description | Smooth, toothed. |
Photographs
Aloe vera, Form
Aloe vera, Leaf
Aloe vera, Summer
Aloe Vera, Fall
Aloe vera, Seedling
Awards
