Holly's Homestead — Medicinal
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera · Asphodelaceae
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Perennial succulent
MATURITY 6–12 months to first harvest
TYPE Perennial succulent
MATURITY 6–12 months to first harvest
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low, drought tolerant, rot risk if overwatered
Soil pH
7.0–8.5
Spacing
0.5–0.6m
Depth
as per pot
01One of the easiest plants to keep
Grown worldwide for centuries, Aloe Vera's thick leaves store the gel traditionally applied to skin for minor cuts and sunburn. It's also a forgiving plant — happy in a pot on a sunny windowsill or straight in the ground, and hard to kill through neglect.
02Planting
Method
Plant from a nursery pot, or divide an offset ("pup") from an established plant.
Soil
Gritty, free-draining succulent or cactus mix; hates wet feet.
Timing
Plant in spring or autumn.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Water deeply but infrequently — let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Offsets ("pups") appear naturally at the base; separate and repot once large enough.
- No feeding needed — it thrives in poor, lean soil.
- Bring potted plants indoors or under cover before frost in cooler zones.
04Problems
- Root rot — the most common issue; caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
- Very few pests — otherwise a hardy, trouble-free plant.
- Frost — frost tender; protect or bring undercover below about 5°C.
- Soft, pale leaves — usually a sign of too much water or too little light.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Outer, lower leaves are ready once thick and mature — usually from 6 months onward.
Method
Cut an outer leaf close to the base with a clean knife; slice open to access the gel inside.
Curing
None needed — used fresh, straight from a just-cut leaf.
Storage
Fresh gel keeps a few days refrigerated; whole leaves keep about a week in the fridge.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
Other drought-tolerant succulentsAvoid nearby
Poorly drained, wet spotsRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial succulent.
