The Aloe vera plant is a popular, low-maintenance succulent known for its striking appearance and the medicinal gel found within its fleshy leaves. It is commonly grown as a houseplant and used topically to soothe skin conditions like minor burns and sunburn.
 
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Aloe vera is a stemless or short-stemmed succulent that grows in a dense, spiraling rosette pattern. Its thick, fleshy leaves are green to grey-green, often with small white spots when young, and lined with small, sharp teeth along the edges.
Size: A mature plant typically reaches a height and spread of 60–100 cm (24–39 inches) in ideal conditions, though indoor plants usually remain smaller.
Flowers: Mature plants may occasionally produce a tall flower spike (up to 90 cm) in summer or autumn with yellow, tubular flowers, but this is rare for indoor plants.
Air Quality: The plant is known for its ability to help purify the air by filtering airborne toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde. 
 
Uses and Benefits
The plant contains two main substances used for various purposes: a clear gel (from the inner leaf) and a yellow latex (from the outer layer). 
Topical (Skin Application): The clear gel is widely used to soothe and heal minor skin irritations.
Minor burns and sunburn: Its cooling properties and ability to boost collagen production help speed up the healing process.
Skin conditions: The gel may help with symptoms of acne, psoriasis, cold sores, and insect bites.
Cosmetics: It is a common ingredient in moisturizers, lotions, and shampoos for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Oral (Ingestion): The gel is consumed in juices and tonics as a dietary supplement. The latex acts as a powerful laxative but can cause side effects and is not safe for everyone, including children and pregnant women. It is important to consult a professional before using it orally. 
 
Care Instructions
Aloe vera is low-maintenance, making it a great option for beginners. 
Light: Place in a bright spot with plenty of indirect sunlight. Direct, intense sun for long periods can scorch the leaves.
Watering: Water sparingly and deeply, only when the top few centimetres of soil have dried out completely. Overwatering is the most common cause of death as it leads to root rot. Water even less in the winter.
Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix with added perlite or grit. A terracotta pot is ideal as its porous material helps the soil dry out.
Temperature: The plant does well in average household temperatures (13–27°C or 55–80°F) but cannot withstand frost.
Feeding: Fertilize sparingly, no more than once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), using a balanced houseplant formula mixed at half-strength.