The best thing for soothing burns. However, be careful! Dont cut a bit off and squeeze. There is a substance under the surface of the leaf that is an irritant. Follow these instructions - When applying aloe vera gel to the skin, don't cut off the tip of a leaf and squeeze out the gel. This practice releases the toxic aloin along with the gel, resulting in irritation. Instead of squeezing, cut the aloe leaf at the base of the plant, slip on a pair of plastic, non-latex gloves and fillet the aloe vera leaf with a sharp knife. Once the aloe vera leaf is opened into two halves, scrape the top layer of clear gel from the leaf using a butter knife. Leave behind the lower layer of gel, closest to the skin. Store the gel in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and toss out the rind.

Ive also read that the spikes on the leaves can cause a bad reaction in young children and cats if they touch them. I wouldn't have one unless out of reach of both.

isn't this what Jack Duckworth used to say to Vera when he came home from t'Rovers?

Bought 3 of these a few months ago, and split the smaller ones from the main plant as they had about 8-10 per pot, I have quite a few growing now in various pots, but I've learnt that the smaller ones don't like direct sunlight, as they tend to burn. Just be careful not to over water them as well, as they like a drought period between watering, I usually water mine between 1-2 weeks when the soil has gone completely dry, and through winter they hardly need watering at all. The main thing to strive for is plump leaves full of aloe juice, that way you know you're treating them right!

It's much better pic now, cheers.

Every home should have one. Tremendous healing qualities.

The best thing for soothing burns. However, be careful! Dont cut a bit off and squeeze. There is a substance under the surface of the leaf that is an irritant. Follow these instructions - When applying aloe vera gel to the skin, don't cut off the tip of a leaf and squeeze out the gel. This practice releases the toxic aloin along with the gel, resulting in irritation. Instead of squeezing, cut the aloe leaf at the base of the plant, slip on a pair of plastic, non-latex gloves and fillet the aloe vera leaf with a sharp knife. Once the aloe vera leaf is opened into two halves, scrape the top layer of clear gel from the leaf using a butter knife. Leave behind the lower layer of gel, closest to the skin. Store the gel in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and toss out the rind.

Ive also read that the spikes on the leaves can cause a bad reaction in young children and cats if they touch them. I wouldn't have one unless out of reach of both.

Bought 3 of these a few months ago, and split the smaller ones from the main plant as they had about 8-10 per pot, I have quite a few growing now in various pots, but I've learnt that the smaller ones don't like direct sunlight, as they tend to burn. Just be careful not to over water them as well, as they like a drought period between watering, I usually water mine between 1-2 weeks when the soil has gone completely dry, and through winter they hardly need watering at all. The main thing to strive for is plump leaves full of aloe juice, that way you know you're treating them right!

I have it and use after shave

Plant should be at least 3 years old , for health benefits

Great to put on any acne breakouts too :smiley:

Easy to care for? I must be really bad at keeping plants as they always die!! :disappointed: