Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
Also listed as Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vulgaris
Also known as Common Aloe, Medicinal Aloe, Barbados Aloe
Climate Match for your location
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A succulent perennial with thick, fleshy gray-green leaves that form rosettes, prized for its gel-filled leaves used in skincare and medicinal applications. Requires minimal water and thrives in hot, bright conditions.
Why grow it
Aloe vera outperforms most other succulent species in gel yield and consistency for both domestic use and small-scale processing. Unlike purely ornamental aloes, this species combines landscape utility with practical application, making it valuable for permaculture systems that prioritize multi-use plantings. It tolerates poor soil and extreme drought better than many herbaceous perennials, requiring far less input than conventional medicinal or cosmetic crops.
Watch out for
Overwatering is the primary failure mode in humid or temperate climates, as the plant's drought adaptation makes it prone to root rot in poorly draining soil or during rainy seasons. Container cultivation or raised beds with coarse, amended soil help manage moisture in regions with regular rainfall. Harvest frequency and leaf maturity affect gel quality and plant recovery, so establish a sustainable cutting pattern to maintain plant vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
Native Range
Arabian Peninsula
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A succulent perennial with thick, fleshy gray-green leaves that form rosettes, prized for its gel-filled leaves used in skincare and medicinal applications. Requires minimal water and thrives in hot, bright conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Aloe Vera grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Aloe vera outperforms most other succulent species in gel yield and consistency for both domestic use and small-scale processing. Unlike purely ornamental aloes, this species combines landscape utility with practical application, making it valuable for permaculture systems that prioritize multi-use plantings. It tolerates poor soil and extreme drought better than many herbaceous perennials, requiring far less input than conventional medicinal or cosmetic crops.
Watch out for
Overwatering is the primary failure mode in humid or temperate climates, as the plant's drought adaptation makes it prone to root rot in poorly draining soil or during rainy seasons. Container cultivation or raised beds with coarse, amended soil help manage moisture in regions with regular rainfall. Harvest frequency and leaf maturity affect gel quality and plant recovery, so establish a sustainable cutting pattern to maintain plant vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
Native Range
Arabian Peninsula
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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