Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. There are over 500 species in many areas of the world. 

It is a short stemmed plant that grows 60-100 cm tall and produces offsets, which you can re-pot to make more plants.

In nature, it thrives in mild tropical, semi-tropical and arid climates. Indoors, it’s a popular potted plant that is not only used for decorative purposes, but the gel inside the leaves has a soothing effect for minor cuts and sunburns. 

Here’s how you can grow your own aloe vera indoors

Sunlight Requirements for Aloe Vera
To have a happy plant, giving it the proper amount of sunlight is important. Aloe vera prefers bright, indirect sunlight. In the summer, you can place the plant outdoors, but away from direct sun during the hottest hours of the day. Too much sunlight can cause the plant to dry out and burn.

Soil
Aloe vera is prone to soggy roots. It’s crucial to have a container with drainage holes and soil with excellent drainage. Look for a cactus and succulent soil at your local garden centre or hardware store. You can fertilize during the growing seasons with a succulent/cactus fertilizer. Always follow the instructions on the back of the package. 

Aloe Vera Planting Tips
Once you have your container and proper soil, you can pot the aloe vera. Use a pot 1-2 inches larger than the original pot. If you are transplanting offshots, wait until they are 3-4inches tall and gently dig them up. You can also cut the stem connecting to the mother plant. Plant the small cuttings in a 2-3 inch pot, add soil to the first leaf, and water after two days. Keep an eye on the soil and water if it is fully dried out after a week. As it grows, you can move it to a bigger pot. 

Tip: Grow two plants - one for aesthetics and another for harvesting.



How to Water Aloe Vera
Be very mindful of how often you are watering aloe vera. Overwatering can cause the plant to die from root rot. Overwatering is one of the top reasons for aloe vera to die. In the summer, you will likely water every 2-3 weeks, versus in the summer it could be once a month or longer. Always check the soil and ensure it is thoroughly dried out before watering again. 

How to Harvest Aloe Vera
The clear gel inside aloe leaves is used for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. To harvest the gel, simply cut a piece off the lowest leaf. Slice off the outer spigot edges and peel away the green top of the leaf to explore the gel. You can use right away, or place it in the fridge for up to two days to add a cooling effect. Consuming the plant can be toxic to humans and pets.