ALOE VERA 6in

Looking for a truly multi-purpose plant that's as beautiful as it is beneficial? The Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is a must-have for any home! This iconic succulent features thick, fleshy, spear-like leaves that grow in a rosette pattern, often edged with small, soft teeth. Beyond its striking architectural form, Aloe Vera is famous for the clear, soothing gel found within its leaves, which has been used for centuries for its natural skin-healing properties – perfect for minor burns, cuts, and irritations. Indoors, Aloe Vera typically grows to a manageable 1-2 feet tall and wide, making it a great fit for sunny windowsills, countertops, or as a living first-aid kit in your kitchen.

Aloe Vera thrives in bright, direct to bright indirect light. It loves sunshine, so place it in your sunniest window, ideally a south or west-facing one where it can receive at least 6 hours of bright light daily. While it can tolerate some direct sun, especially morning sun, too much intense afternoon sun can sometimes cause its leaves to turn reddish-brown. If your plant is stretching or looking pale, it's telling you it needs more light!

For pet owners, it's crucial to know that Aloe Vera is toxic to pets if ingested. The outer leaf, specifically the white sap (latex or aloin) found just beneath the skin, contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and changes in urine color, in both cats and dogs. While the inner gel is generally considered safe and is used in many pet products, it's best to keep the whole plant out of reach of curious paws and mouths to prevent accidental ingestion of the toxic sap.

When your Aloe Vera needs more room to grow (they don't need frequent repotting, preferring to be a bit root-bound), always use Watters Potting Soil. This well-draining mix is absolutely essential to prevent root rot, which is the most common issue for succulents. During the spring and summer growing months, you can give your Aloe a boost with a diluted solution of Urban Gardener's Super Growth Elixir or Fertilome's All Purpose Houseplant Food to encourage robust growth. You'll love having this practical and beautiful plant in your home!

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