This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
This incredible medicinal plant from the succulent family charms us with its evergreen foliage and its serrated leaves forming pretty rosettes. But that’s not all ! With its multiple talents, it lends itself to many uses: in facial care, as a natural dressing, or even integrated into a refreshing drink. The virtues of aloe are inestimable, and in addition to its health benefits, it adds a touch of vibrant greenery to our interior.
Easy to cherish
Aloe requires little maintenance and adapts well to several conditions: it prefers more light, but will adapt to slightly darker places. Some general rules:
• Wait for the soil to dry completely between waterings. Excess water can cause the roots to rot, this is the primary cause of death of aloes.
• Take your plant outside in summer. It will take advantage of the sun’s rays to grow even faster.
• Water less in fall and winter. Aloe rests during these colder, darker seasons and only needs to be watered once in a while.
One plant, 3 plants, 6 plants
Aloe lends itself very well to propagation. It produces lots of small cuttings, which you just have to separate and replant. You can carefully separate the suckers from the mother plant, then let them air dry for a few days. Then transplant them into a potting mix for succulent plants, which provides good drainage.
Using gel from an aloe plant
Aloe gel is a natural remedy with incredible properties. It soothes sunburns, minor burns and stings, encourages collagen renewal for beautiful, elastic skin, and is even delicious as a drink! To benefit from its virtues, all you have to do is cut one of its stems at the base, then slice it into a few small pieces. You can simply rub these pieces on your skin.
Choosing your aloe
There are all kinds of aloe species with varying colors, textures and uses. It’s tempting to make a collection! Here are some species that we particularly appreciate.
1. Aloe vera
It wonderfully combines decorative beauty and ease of maintenance. You can harvest its precious gel throughout the year, and apply it to wounds to promote improved healing and make your skin radiant. A plant with multiple benefits, which lends itself to beautifying your interior and helping you take care of yourself every day.
2. Hybrid Aloe
Hybrid aloe is full of varieties with varying shapes. Fans will be delighted by specimens such as ‘Pink dragon’, ‘Pink blush’, ‘Piranha’ and ‘Black gem’. Note that this variety of aloe stands out for its smaller size and vibrant colors, and is more useful for decorating than for its medicinal abilities.
3. Aloe variegata
Also known as partridge feather aloe, this species is charming, small and compact. It is very easy to grow, which makes it all the more attractive.
4. Aloe aristata
This small aloe plant has rosettes of toothed leaves grouped in clumps. Its flowers, a bright orange-red, give it a touch of splendor.
5. Aloe arborescens
This variety offers superb winter flowering: its red flowers bloom gracefully along an elegant flower stalk. In addition to its decorative beauty, it is an interesting medicinal plant.
So, are you ready to embrace aloe?
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.