If your New Year’s resolution is to be healthier…buy a houseplant! Hear us out. They absorb toxins like carbon dioxide and use them to produce sustenance in the form of glucose and then release oxygen as a byproduct of this process! That means you get better air quality, improved sleep and well being! So basically, more plants = a better you!
One of the “healthiest” plants to introduce into your home is Aloe vera. While often overlooked, Aloe vera is actually a truly special palnt. It’s adept at removing harmful compounds from the air that leech out of your furniture, paint, etc and turning it into oxygen. They complete this process at night, so they’re especially beneficial to put in your bedroom to promote deep breathing and restful sleep!
You’ve probably heard that Aloe is great for sunburns or maybe you’ve sliced open a leaf and applied the clear inner gel on yourself! Actually, it’s good for a wide range of skin conditions. It contains antinflamitory, anti aging, mosturizing and acne clearing properties you probably didn’t know about! It’s pulp is a natural astringent full of antioxidants that boost collagen, firm the skin and help you heal quicker. There is little risk harvesting a limb or two from your aloe plant. They are prolific mulitipliers as shown in the photo below!
You may have seen beverages at the store that contain Aloe. Drinking these can aid in digestion, hydration, balancing your blood sugar levels and act as an all-around detox for your body. It’s truly nature’s healthy candy! So far, it sounds like you’ve chosen a pretty good New Year’s resolution, right? You can reap all the health benefits while also snagging a cool new plant in the process. So if you decide to pick up an Aloe for yourself, here’s a few care tips to help you be successful.
Aloes’ origins lay (in part) in South Africa. They love warm temperatures and dry conditions. Beware of overwatering these desert plants will get soggy and limp quicker than you can train your brain to write 2026 instead of 2025! Follow a 2-week watering schedule.
While Aloes love warmth, they will start to brown on their tips if they are getting too much direct light. Everyone’s house temperatures and lighting are different but try placing them near but not necessarily in a south-facing window and adjust according to how the plant reacts.
Aloes have shallow roots and will not appreciate a pot that is too deep. Make sure you choose a container with drainage holes. Our G & B Organics Cactus mix is the perfect substrate for allowing water to drain freely and easily.
Troubleshooting:
- Yellow/Mushy Leaves: Overwatering
- Thin/Curled Leaves: Underwatering or not enough light
- Brown/Red Leaves: Sunburn
