{"product_id":"aloe-vera-1","title":"Aloe vera","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eYou may have heard about the healing properties of aloe vera, and even used it in the form of lotions or skincare. But have you ever grown your own Aloe vera plant? These succulents can be very happy grown as houseplants, enjoying plenty of light, and well-draining soil. You can even take the sap yourself to use: cut off a leaf at the base, cut down its length and you'll be able to apply the sap directly to your skin. And if you just enjoy looking at your plant, that's fine too - enjoy its sculptural shape, and possibly even a flower spike with little yellow flowers in summer. A splash of sun, the occasional water, and your Aloe will be good to grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eAloe vera\u003c\/i\u003e (true aloe)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eSynonyms:\u003cem\u003e Aloe barbadensis, Aloe chinensis, Aloe elongata, Aloe flava, Aloe indica, Aloe lanzae, Aloe littoralis, Aloe maculata, Aloe perfoliata var. vera, Aloe rubescens, Aloe variegata, Aloe vulgaris\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eInitially known as \u003cem\u003eAloe perfoliata\u003c\/em\u003e var. \u003cem\u003evera\u003c\/em\u003e, this plant was later found to be a distinct species; it has been known as \u003cem\u003eA. vera\u003c\/em\u003e since 1768. A few other names have been used and then later found to be the same species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAloe Vera, Barbados Aloe, Medicinal Aloe, Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant, True Aloe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAlthough it has been introduced and naturalised all around the tropics of six continents, the Aloe vera is only actually native to a relatively small area, in the Hajar Mountains of Northern Oman.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAloes need bright light! Ideally, you should be giving your plant a few hours of direct sunlight per day; your best bet is a South- or West-facing window.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAllow the soil to totally dry out between waters. Reduce watering further in winter to help it cope with the cooler temperatures and lower level of light.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eDry air is perfectly fine here; make sure not to keep it somewhere excessively damp as this can make its soil dry out too slowly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a well-draining soil mix with elements such as sand and grit, such as one designed for cacti and succulents. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes. Repot every few years as the plant grows when necessary; once the roots have totally crowded out the pot, it's time to go up a size.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFertilise every couple of months throughout the year. Aloes like this one are used to poor-quality soil, so don't worry if you miss a feed - and feeding is less important over winter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eMild temperatures are best here, between 15-25°C. You can grow your Aloe outside in summer, just make sure there's no risk of frost and the temperature is consistently over 10°C at night.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNo - the sap is fine on the skin but the plant contains toxins that can cause issues if eaten.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eOne of the most common issues is overwatering with Aloe plants. Make sure you let the soil dry between waters, and keep an eye out for floppy, yellowing leaves as a warning sign of too much water. Rotate to keep its growth even. Red foliage indicates too much light; oif foliage is pale, it may be getting too little light,\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"7cm","offer_id":56991217975677,"sku":"3291251268571","price":6.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"8.5cm","offer_id":45081297092861,"sku":"3885227194171","price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"10.5cm","offer_id":43779299115261,"sku":"4336548115961","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"12cm","offer_id":42284299354365,"sku":"1717548115961","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/aloe-vera-264310.jpg?v=1734253651","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.pro\/products\/aloe-vera-1","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}