Aloe Vera plant is extremely popular as a medicinal and an ornamental plant. Consequently, aloe vera plant care is important especially during the colder months.  During those months it is important that you keep you plant in a bright room facing a window if possible.  Because the aloe plant has such large water capacity it can easily suffer from frost damage.

You may be wondering why some people care so much about their aloe vera plant.  Well, this plant has been used for thousands of years for a variety of skin conditions including burns, ulcers and wounds.  It was reported that during the 1930’s the United States and Russia were using this gel  to heal burns.  Today the science is not as clear with regards to burns.  However, an active controlled study has shown that an aloe vera cream was very effective for plaque psoriasis.  The cream appeared to slow down the activity of the plaques as compared to prescription drugs.

  Whether you keep your aloe plant as an ornament or as a home remedy for cuts and burns you need to take care of it in the winter. As you know  this plant grows best in a-tropical climate.  It is native to eastern and southern Africa.  However, it grows  extremely well indoors in adequate  light.  Aloe  plants need bright light to grow well, yet too much sun can damage their leaves. Naturally it is better to grow your plant outside, but it is not always possible if you live further North.

Adequate light is not the only important requirement of the aloe plant.The potting soil  used should be well drained. These plants will do well with a kelp fertilizer. Do not over  water your  plant.  The aloe plant has a great water storage capability . So you can water once or twice a month when the soil is dry. Drainage holes in the bottom of the pot are a must. The plants sometimes outgrow their pots and may need re potting. Use a wide planter rather than a deep one.

Aloe vera plants are  very easy to grow.  However, they can be affected by slow growth  issues.  These problems can be due to over watering, poor light, inadequate drainage or exposure to cold weather.  As you can see, aloe vera  plant care  is not very  difficult . If you follow these tips you will have a healthy aloe plant to admire or to use  for your home remedies.