The succulent leaves of Aloe Vera are one of nature's perfect packaging miracles. Break a leaf off the fleshy stem from which a fan of sessile leaves radiate, and the plant quickly seals in the vital juices. Even the cut segment will heal over the end where it is sliced and retain its plumpness to remain green for several days. In a refrigerator it keeps for two or three weeks.

Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system, so when it is time to plant, propagate, or repot choose a wide planter, rather than a deep one. Use a planter with a drainage hole, or provide a 1-2 inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot to ensure adequate drainage. I find terra-cotta pots are perfect for aloe because they don't retain the extra moisture that could damage the plant, but, if you are careful not to over water any planter will do. When you pot your aloe offshoots, or the main plant, use regular potting soil with an extra perlite, granite grit, or coarse sand added. You may also use a packaged 'cacti mix' soil. I have had success with a composted ‘cow manure’ product. Dampen the soil before potting. The plant won’t require more water for a couple of weeks. Then pierce the soil with a fork, breaking up the hard surface, down to about two inches. This allows the soil to better absorb the water. Water lightly. It takes about 45 days for a newly potted pup to take root.

Fertilize yearly, in the spring with a dilute (half strength). Aloes are propagated by removing the offsets which are produced around the base of mature plants, when they are a couple inches tall (or larger). I usually let them get 4 to 6 inches.
Mature aloe plants love bright sun, but will do well in medium light as well. Young plants should not get direct sunlight. Allow the soil to dry between watering and water less in the winter than in the warm months. They like being pot bound in my experience, and may be divided each spring or before if you have a lot of baby plants in the pot.
The aloe is a succulent plant, with leaves that can hold water for long periods at a time. Too much water can rot the plant and it would take the most severe drought to dry it out.
The plants only other enemy is cold. It will do quite well next to a window with even minimal light, but it prefers bright, indirect lighting.
An aloe plant is a welcome friend in the kitchen. When you need to use it medicinally, just remove a lower leaf from the plant, slice it open, and apply the gel on the affected area.
Potting aloe is a great children's project by the way. The plants are easy to handle, and hardy enough for little hands to replant.

Come visit me at MySpace!!!

I took my aloe plants on the road last weekend. I rented a table at a local flea market and made up some signs to stick out by the road. It was a couple of long days. I actually sold quite a few plants. I am scouting some new locations. I really don't want to be in the same place every week. I think that exposing more people aloes, rather than the same people over and over will be more effective.
So, in futherance of my goal to work from home, I am adding a buy now button here. In case visitors are interested in obtaining an aloe plant.

But if you want more info before deciding, or options that I don't want to fill in here;
See my Web site where I have compiled some useful information, as well as fun stuff, too

http://freealoeplant.tripod.com/