In the Polish People’s Republic, plants dominated, such as asparagus and aloe. This time we will take a closer look at the latter specimen. It delights not only with its fleshy, decorative leaves, but also with numerous medicinal properties and simple cultivation. It will be the perfect flower for forgetful people.
Aloe comes from South Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar and an island in the Indian Ocean. It grows naturally in dry and warm climates, more precisely in desert, semi-desert and rocky areas.
It adapted to such conditions thanks to the aforementioned thick, fleshy leavesthat have the ability to store water. Additionally, they are covered with a waxy layer that protects against moisture loss. Therefore, we classify it as a succulentwhich are ideal plants for people who forget about watering.
Aloe can reach up to 80 cm in height. Its grey-green, sword-shaped leaves with toothed edges grow densely and form a rosette. In an apartment there is little chance of the specimen blooming, but in natural conditions it produces yellow flowers that gather in clusters.
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We plant aloe in well-drained soil. Soil intended for cacti and succulents will work best. We can also create our own mixture from universal soil, sand and gravel, mixed in proportions of 2:1:1.
This plant loves a sunny positionso we recommend placing it on the windowsill of a southern or western window. If we place it in partial shade, it will grow, but we can expect less firm leaves due to lack of light. Let’s avoid drafts, which lead to damage to these parts.
Aloe needs a positive temperature to grow well – in summer it should be from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius and in winter from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. It performs well during the heating season – it does not require air humidification or spraying.
The specimen becomes resistant to drought, so it is better to dry it rather than overwater it. In summer we water aloe once every 2-3 weeks, and in winter less often – once a month or even less often. Remember that the top layer of soil must be completely dry before the next watering.
Aloe pulp and peels contain vitamins A, C, E and those from group B, as well as minerals: copper, zinc, potassium, sulfur, calcium, phosphorus, as well as enzymes supporting skin regeneration and wound healing. The juice of this plant heals bruises and pimples, but also smoothes wrinkles and improves the condition of hair..
In addition, aloe juice is good for diseases of the digestive system and intestines, as well as diarrhea, ulcers and constipation.. In addition, it supports liver regeneration and prevents the formation of kidney stones.
Moreover, the specimen supports the body in states of weakness, supporting the immune system and stimulating the production of lymphocytes. Thanks to the richness of easily absorbable vitamins and minerals, it supports the replenishment of deficiencies. It also has a beneficial effect on the regeneration of the nervous system. For people struggling with diabetes, the juice from this plant may help lower blood glucose levels.
According to NASA research aloe purifies the air by absorbing formaldehyde and benzene. These pollutants are often found in our homes. In addition, it neutralizes chemicals from paints, detergents and furniture.
This plant is perfect for the bedroom because it produces oxygen and therefore increases the amount of fresh air. In addition, it can moisturize them, which is important, especially during the heating season.
