When I brought home my first aloe vera plant, I was clueless. I’d heard it was a “must-have” houseplant, but apart from breaking off a leaf to soothe sunburn, I didn’t know much about it. Fast forward a few years, and I’ve become a bit of an aloe enthusiast. This humble succulent has completely won me over with its resilience, usefulness, and quirky charm. If you’ve got an aloe plant—or are thinking about getting one—let me share some fascinating things I’ve learned along the way.
1. It’s the Ultimate Healing Plant
I’ll admit, I first got an aloe plant for its reputation as a natural remedy. One day, I accidentally burned my hand while cooking, and I decided to test its magic. Snapping off a leaf, I smeared the gel onto my burn, and within minutes, the sting eased. Aloe is packed with anti-inflammatory properties and can help with cuts, burns, and even dry skin. Now, I always keep a plant in my kitchen as my go-to first aid.
2. It Doesn’t Like Too Much Water
Aloe plants are succulents, which means they hate soggy soil. I learned this the hard way when I killed my first plant by being overly generous with the watering can. (Yes, I drowned an aloe plant—how embarrassing!) These guys prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings. Now, I only water mine every two to three weeks, and it’s thriving.
3. It Needs Bright Light, But Not Too Much
I used to think aloe plants were sun worshippers, but too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. My plant looked sad and sunburned after I left it in a south-facing window for weeks. I’ve since moved it to a bright spot with indirect light, and it’s much happier. If you notice your aloe turning brown or looking shrivelled, it might be crying out for a bit of shade.
4. It’s a Natural Air Purifier
Did you know aloe plants can improve your indoor air quality? I didn’t until I stumbled upon some research about how they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night. This makes them perfect for the bedroom—especially if you’re like me and love waking up to greenery.
5. It Reproduces Like Crazy
Aloe plants are overachievers when it comes to propagation. Once your plant is happy, you’ll notice tiny baby aloes, or “pups,” sprouting around the base. At first, I didn’t know what to do with them, but I quickly learned they’re easy to separate and repot. Now, I’ve got a little army of aloe plants scattered around my house and garden—and I’ve gifted a few to friends too!
6. It’s Not Just for Burns
We all know aloe is great for soothing burns, but did you know you can also use it for your hair and skin? I’ve started mixing fresh aloe gel into my skincare routine, and it’s been a game-changer for hydration. It’s also brilliant as a natural hair mask—I just blend the gel, apply it to my scalp, and rinse after 20 minutes. My hair feels so soft afterwards!
7. It Can Flower—If You’re Lucky
This was the biggest surprise for me. I always thought aloe plants were just about the leaves, but one spring, mine produced a tall stalk with orange, tube-shaped flowers. It felt like such a reward for all the love I’d given it. If you want your aloe to bloom, give it plenty of sunlight, the right amount of water, and a bit of patience. It doesn’t happen every year, but when it does, it’s magical.
Final Thoughts
Owning an aloe plant has been such a rewarding experience. It’s more than just a houseplant—it’s a healer, an air purifier, and a little piece of nature that brings joy to my home. Whether you’re a green thumb or a total beginner, aloe is one of those plants that’s hard to mess up (as long as you don’t overwater it, of course!).
So, if you’ve got an aloe plant sitting in your window, take a closer look. It’s got so much more to offer than you might realise. And if you don’t have one yet, trust me—your home needs an aloe plant!