Aloe vera – Medicinal Succulent Plant

Aloe vera key features

Aloe vera is a highly valued succulent known for its medicinal uses and striking appearance. It forms a dense rosette of thick, fleshy, grey-green leaves that are often marked with white flecks and edged with soft pinkish margins. These leaves contain a soothing gel commonly used to treat burns, skin irritations, and minor wounds. In summer, Aloe vera may produce tall flower spikes bearing tubular yellow blooms, adding ornamental appeal. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it grows up to 40 cm tall and 50 cm wide, making it perfect for pots, rockeries, and dry garden areas throughout New Zealand.

Aloe vera care guide

Aloe vera is a hardy, low-maintenance succulent that thrives in New Zealand’s temperate regions when planted in well-drained soil and positioned in full sun to light shade. It prefers a warm, sheltered location and should be protected from heavy frost. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, as overwatering can cause root rot. In containers, use a cactus or succulent potting mix with excellent drainage. Aloe vera rarely needs fertilising but can benefit from a light feed with a diluted liquid fertiliser during the growing season (spring to early summer). Remove damaged or outer leaves as needed, and repot when the plant outgrows its container. Indoors, place it in the brightest spot available—such as a north-facing windowsill—to maintain healthy growth.

Aloe vera plant identification

Aloe vera is a clump-forming, stemless succulent easily recognised by its thick, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves arranged in a rosette. The leaves are pale green to grey-green and often have irregular white spots or flecks on the surface, particularly on juvenile plants. Leaf margins are lined with small, soft teeth, and the tips may take on a pinkish hue in strong sunlight or dry conditions. Mature plants may produce tall flower spikes in summer, bearing tubular yellow to orange flowers. The plant typically reaches 40–50 cm in height and width, forming offsets or "pups" around the base that can be separated for propagation. Its distinctive leaf gel is clear and cooling, widely used for skin care and first aid.

How to start an Aloe vera plant from a leaf

Although many succulents propagate easily from leaves, Aloe vera is not one of them, and propagation from leaf cuttings is rarely successful. If you do want to try, cut a healthy, mature leaf from the base of the plant using a clean knife, and let it sit in a dry, shaded spot for several days until a callous forms over the cut end. Once calloused, insert the leaf upright into well-draining succulent soil in a small pot. Water very lightly and only when the soil is completely dry, as overwatering will cause the leaf to rot. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sunlight. Even under ideal conditions, most leaves will shrivel and die without rooting. For best results, Aloe vera should be propagated using pups (offsets) rather than leaves, as this method is far more reliable.

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What can the Aloe vera plant be used for?

Aloe vera is widely valued for its medicinal, cosmetic, and ornamental uses. The clear gel inside its fleshy leaves is commonly applied to soothe burns, cuts, insect bites, sunburn, and minor skin irritations due to its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. It is also a popular ingredient in skin care products, shampoos, and moisturisers for its hydrating and soothing effects. In traditional medicine, Aloe vera juice has been used (with caution) for digestive support, though internal use should only be done with professional guidance. Beyond its medicinal qualities, Aloe vera is a striking architectural plant ideal for containers, rock gardens, or low-maintenance landscaping, adding beauty as well as practical benefits to New Zealand gardens.

Do snails eat Aloe vera plants?

Yes, snails and slugs can eat Aloe vera plants, particularly the tender, fleshy parts of young leaves. These pests are most active at night or during damp conditions and may leave irregular holes, ragged edges, or silvery slime trails on the foliage. While Aloe vera’s thick, gel-filled leaves aren’t their first choice, they can still cause noticeable damage—especially in outdoor gardens or during wet weather. To protect your plants, consider using barriers like copper tape, crushed eggshells, or non-toxic slug pellets, and inspect plants regularly during the cooler, wetter months.

Does Aloe vera make a good indoor plant?

Yes, Aloe vera makes an excellent indoor plant, especially in sunny, well-ventilated spaces. It thrives on minimal care and is well-suited to containers placed near a bright window, ideally one that receives direct sunlight for part of the day. Its architectural form and medicinal benefits make it both decorative and practical. Aloe vera requires well-draining soil and infrequent watering—only when the soil is completely dry—to prevent root rot. Indoors, it's important to avoid overwatering and ensure the pot has good drainage. With the right conditions, Aloe vera remains healthy, compact, and attractive year-round, making it one of the best low-maintenance indoor succulents.