HAPPY HOUSE PLANTS
Soothe and Heal with Aloe Vera
Native to Africa
People have long used Aloe Vera to soothe skin and treat minor irritations. Scholars document its use in Ancient Egypt, Greece, China, and beyond. It originates from the Arabian peninsula to southern Africa.
When applied to the skin, aloe vera relieves irritation and calms rashes. Stories tell of Cleopatra using it to soften skin. Alexander the Great used it on the battlefield. Be sure to drain it of yellow latex for a day before using it.
Aloe likes bright light, but it needs to adjust when brought outdoors. It prefers dry feet and will rot if it sits in water. They come from desert conditions, and they work well in rockscapes.
Nomenclature: Aloe barbadensis
Origin: South/East Africa
Light: Bright, indirect
Soil: Well-draining
Uses: Folk medicine, food
