Identification

• Aloe vera plants are succulent plants with thick, fleshy leaves that grow in rosettes. Small, soft spines grow along the edges of the leaves that commonly reach 24 inches long and the plant spreads 24 inches wide. The leaves are spotted when they first grow in and loose their spots as the leaves age. Aloe vera plants produce a tall flower spike covered with white tubular flowers during the summer, but it rarely flowers when grown as a houseplant. These houseplants are propagated through offsets or pups that form around the base of the plant.
  
  

Conditions

• Place the aloe vera houseplant in an area of high light exposure, but keep out of full, direct sunlight. These succulents are drought tolerant, but still need regular watering during the summer. Add 1 to 2 cups of water whenever the soil becomes dry to the depth of 2 inches. Cut the frequency of watering during the cool winter months.
  
  

Maintenance

• Repot every couple of years to refresh the nutrients in the soil. If the aloe vera plant is big enough to move to a larger plant pot, choose one that is only a couple of inches larger. Placing a small aloe vera plant in a large container causes root rot since the soil will stay too moist. Clay pots are the best for aloe vera plants since excess moisture evaporates out the sides. Place a 1- to 2-inch layer of gravel on the bottom of the container. Use a mixture of equal parts of sand and potting soil to replant the aloe vera plant.
  
  

Function

• Aloe vera plants are valued as a source of medicinal sap, which is the clear gel found inside the center of the leaves. This gel is used to promote healing of burns by soothing the pain and fighting any present infection. The leaves are split down the center and the sap is smoothed over the burned skin. Aloe vera gel is also found inside commercial products like first aid creams, sunburn ointment, shampoos and soaps.