Care Of Aloe Vera Plants

SA's aloe a medicinal miracle

South Africa is famous for its diversity of aloes and other succulents. Who would have thought that our prolific aloes would yield a wide range of useful products?

Aloe vera, the “true” or “medicinal” aloe, is indigenous to Africa and is abundant in the Western and Eastern Cape. Both the translucent inner pulp and the resinous, yellow aloin sap (obtained by wounding the plant) are used medicinally.

A. vera has been used since the 16th century BCE by ancient cultures to treat burns, sunburn, injuries and stomach ailments, and to protect the skin against the elements.

In South Africa indigenous peoples from the Khoi and San to various Nguni cultures have used the healing and regenerative powers of aloes for centuries. Among the amaXhosa, aloe sap is used to heal wounds and is a known cure for ringworm, tapeworm, boils and ulcers. Aloe sap is also used to treat enteritis in calves and fowls.

The amaZulu use aloe sap to treat roundworm while the amaPondo mix aloe juice and water for a refreshing body wash.

An extract, bitters, is ingested to help with detoxification, as well as the treatment of gout, rheumatism, arthritis and stomach ailments.

In 1967, a surgeon on Professor Christian Barnard’s first heart transplant team noted that the application of A. ferox gel to wounds accelerated the production of cells responsible for the formation of collagen, vital for skin strength and elasticity.

Further research at the University of Cape Town and elsewhere has revealed that aloe sap has proven healing properties, and is very effective for skincare. It is rich in polysaccharides and other plant metabolites, as well as amino acids and minerals, and contributes to the maintenance of hydrated, well-nourished skin.

A. ferox (Cape aloe) has 36 percent more total amino acids in its gel, and 20 times more of the bitter sap containing aloin, than A. vera. Eastern Cape specimens of A. ferox have the highest aloin content in the country – and the world – at up to 28 percent of the bitter sap.

However, aloin does have a downside. Taking A. vera that contains aloin in excess amounts has been associated with various side effects. In 2002 the US Food and Drug Administration banned the use of aloin as a laxative ingredient in over-the-counter drug products. Most aloe juices today do not contain significant amounts of aloin.

How to Grow Aloe Vera Plant

If you are interested in trying to grow Aloe vera plants yourself, you will have to take care of certain things and factors related to the environment and also the weather condition, and last but not least, the taking care of the aloe vera plant itself.

Suitable climate and environment to grow aloe vera plants

Aloe vera plants are consisted of mostly 96% of water and they are mostly found in tropical and subtropical region. Hot climate is very suitable for the growth of Aloe vera plants. And always remember to plant your aloe vera plants in full sun, or under light shade. Please keep the aloe vera plant near the windows to enable the plants to get proper sun light.

What about other countries with cold and mild climatic condition? Care has to be taken that you provide enough sunlight, for the aloe vera plants to grow properly. Draught is not a big problem for the aloe vera plant since it can withstand the harsh conditions of the deserts, but to make sure the plant grows properly, water should be provided.

Suitable types of soil to grow aloe vera plants

The soil where you intend to grow your aloe vera plants should be moderately fertile and fast draining soil type. This is because the aloe vera plant itself contains a lot of water amount in it, and the plant will surely wilt if the soil provided is not the fast draining type.

Precautions during the winter months

In the winter season, the aloe vera plant will become dormant and it will take less moisture. Make sure the watering of the aloe vera plant should be kept to the minimal in the winter season. Please do not water the aloe vera plant if the soil where you plant it is not completely dry.

Using pots to grow the aloe vera plants

The pot where you plant the aloe vera, should have some drainage hole to facilitate better drainage facility. Use fertilisers on the aloe vera plants to gain better results.

Overwatering the aloe vera plants may cause the spongy leaves to rot at the base of the aloe vera plant. Let the aloe vera plant pot to dry out, before you water it again.

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