Aloe Vera
Aloe barbadensis
Arguably the world's most useful houseplant — the clear inner gel of the thick fleshy leaves soothes minor burns, sunburns, and skin irritation. A rosette-forming succulent likely originating in the Arabian Peninsula, now cultivated worldwide. Produces offset 'pups' readily; once you have one, you have a dozen. Important caveat: the yellow latex just inside the leaf skin is toxic to pets.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Indoor (origin Arabian Peninsula)
Light
Bright light with some direct sun
Bloom Time
Rare indoors (yellow tubular flowers on tall stalk, mature plants)
Soil
Gritty cactus mix
Water
Soak and let dry fully; every 2–3 weeks in summer, monthly in winter
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Separate offset pups from the base when they're 5–10 cm tall — let cut ends callus 1–2 days before potting in dry cactus mix
