Bright to bright indirect sunlight. A sunny south- or west-facing windowsill is ideal. Tolerates some shade but will grow slowly and the leaves may become floppy.Light

Water every 2-3 weeks indoors, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering is far more dangerous to this plant than underwatering -- it stores water in its thick leaves.Water

Tolerates typical low indoor humidity well. No special humidity requirements.Humidity

Prefers 55-85°F (12-29°C). Not frost hardy. Bring outdoor plants inside when night temps drop below 45°F. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11.Temperature

easyDifficulty

Medicine Plant

Aloe barbadensis

Easy

Aloe barbadensis -- better known as aloe vera -- is the plant that everyone's grandmother kept on the windowsill for burns, and it turns out she was right: the clear inner gel has genuine, research-backed soothing and wound-healing properties. This is one of the most useful plants you can grow, and it is also one of the most forgiving -- tolerant of neglect, drought-hardy, and nearly impossible to overwater if you give it decent drainage. Just remember that while the gel is safe for people, the whole plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

Care Guide

How to grow Medicine Plant

Light

Bright to bright indirect sunlight.

Water

Water every 2-3 weeks indoors,

Humidity

Tolerates typical low indoor humidity well.

Temperature

55-85°F

Soil

Well-draining sandy or gritty potting mix.

Propagation

Collect and repot the offsets

Common Problems

Root rot from overwatering is

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Ancient Egyptians called aloe vera the 'plant of immortality' and used it in the embalming process, as a burial gift for pharaohs, and in Cleopatra's reported beauty routine. The Papyrus Ebers, a medical text from circa 1550 BCE, documents its medicinal uses.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA. The saponins and anthraquinones in the outer leaf and sap cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. The inner gel is considered safe for human topical and internal use in moderate amounts, but large oral doses have been linked to digestive upset and electrolyte imbalances.

Medicine Plant

How to grow Medicine Plant

Fun Facts

Toxic to pets

Sources

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