The homeland and origin of the aloe plant

Flowers

Aloe is one of the most ancient plants. It is mentioned in the Book of Books, and images of the flower have been found during excavations of the Egyptian pyramids. Botanists studying this plant still cannot definitively determine the origin of this most famous houseplant—aloe.

General characteristics of the plant

Aloe is a perennial plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. Modern botany lists over 500 species of this plant. This genus is classified as a succulent—an organism capable of accumulating nutrients. Therefore, it is characterized by high resistance to environmental changes and increased vitality.

Depending on the species, the plant may be a shrub, a tree, or a herbaceous plant. The stems are typically shortened and often easily visible beneath the leaf blades.

The leaves form a basal rosette. They are arranged spirally on the stem. The blades are lanceolate or sword-shaped, with pointed edges. When the plant is overwatered, the leaves increase in size, becoming firm and hard. During periods of drought, the leaves lose turgor and shrink.

The plates are colored in shades of green. They sometimes feature white stripes or streaks. Spines or spines may be present on the sides of the plates.

The homeland and history of aloe cultivation

The exact location where the plant was discovered is unknown at this stage of research. Given that this plant can only grow in warm climates, scientists are inclined to believe that it is native to warmer climates. Madagascar and South Africa are generally accepted as the aloe plant's native lands.

The first mentions of this culture date back to 2000 BC. It is described in the Bible and historical chronicles. Cave paintings depicting a plant resembling arborescent aloe were discovered by archaeologists during excavations of the tombs of the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.

The plant was brought to Europe in the 18th century. General Craig's wife accepted the aloe as a gift. It was she who first brought the plant from Africa to Great Britain.

Today, aloe can be found as an outdoor plant in the following places:

Türkiye;
Egypt;
South and West Asia;
Greece;
Ethiopia;
Somalia;
SOUTH AFRICA;
Zimbabwe;
Mozambique;
Swaziland;
Malawi.

Origin and description of aloe species

Aloe is very popular in indoor gardening. It can be found in almost every home. Typically, gardeners grow three varieties: Arborescent, Vera, and Variegated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ysse60ch1c

Tree-like

The arborescent species (also known as aloe vera) grows as trees or shrubs and is characterized by extensive branching. The plant's homeland is believed to be South Africa.

Representatives of this species have an upright trunk, the thickness of which in natural growing conditions reaches 30 cm. The base of the trunk of a mature bush has numerous leaf scars.

The leaves grow alternately, clasping the stem. They are lanceolate in shape. The edges of the blades are covered with spines. The front surface of the blades is slightly concave, while the back is convex. The maximum leaf length of this species is 65 cm.

The leaves form dense rosettes along the upper part of the stem. Most often, the leaves are a uniform bluish-green hue. However, some specimens have grayish leaves.

Representatives of this species are characterized by fairly large inflorescences. The tubular flowers open like a bell. The drooping, six-petaled heads are supported by slender peduncles. They form racemes up to 40 cm long. The outer petals are orange, while the inner petals are white with a prominent orange longitudinal vein.

Faith

Aloe vera is a herbaceous plant. In the wild, this species can be found in the Canary Islands.

Vera's chemical composition is very similar to that of the tree-like species of this plant. These species are characterized by a shortened trunk, which is practically invisible beneath the leaves.

The leaves grow strictly in succession. The leaf axils almost completely encircle the stem. The blades are lanceolate, tapering toward the edge. At the base of the stem, the leaves of Vera are gathered in a dense rosette. Like the arborescent species, the leaves of Vera are concave at the top and convex at the bottom. The blades reach 60 cm in length. They are fleshy and thick, elastic to the touch. There are spines along the lateral edges of the blades.

This species is distinguished by its unusual leaf coloring. Discreet white strokes are densely applied against a light green, faded background.

The flowers are tubular and drooping. They are gathered into an inflorescence located on a long stalk. The petals range in color from bright orange to orange-yellow.

Motley

Aloe variegata, also known as Tiger Aloe, is native to South Africa and Namibia.

Representatives of this species are classified as herbaceous plants and are characterized by very short stems. Leaves are arranged in a spiral around the stem. Because the leaves almost completely encircle the stem, it is very difficult to notice. The stem widens at the base.

The leaves form a basal rosette. The blades are not particularly long: in a mature plant, they reach no more than 15 cm. Compared to Vera and Arborescens Aloe, the leaves of the Variegated Aloe are significantly wider. Furthermore, they are triangular rather than lanceolate. The leaf blades are flattened, slightly thicker at the base than at the margin. The blades have underdeveloped spines on the sides, which are often mistaken for hairs.

The leaves are bicolored. The primary tone is a rich, saturated shade of green. It's slightly lighter at the base and darker at the tip. The entire surface of the leaves is covered with transverse white patterns, reminiscent of a tiger's tail. The sides of the leaf are bordered by a thin white stripe.

This species blooms in late spring. The drooping, bright orange flowers are borne in clusters on an erect scape.

Creating natural conditions during cultivation

Aloe is a very undemanding plant, making it easy to grow. The only thing it doesn't tolerate is low temperatures. Optimal growing conditions are listed in the table below.

Care section	Description
Lighting	Bright sunlight. Additional lighting is required in winter.
Temperature	During the warm season, a temperature range of 18°C to 30°C is acceptable. In winter, a lower temperature is recommended, but not below 12°C.
Humidity level	Medium to high humidity levels, typical for residential areas.
Watering	During the growing season, water as needed (as soon as the top layer of soil dries). During dormancy, it is recommended to limit watering to twice a week.
Top dressing	Not required.
Rest period	From October to April.
Transfer	In spring. Young plants – annually, mature plants – once every 3-4 years.
Substrate	Sod land, leaf soil, sand (2:1:1)
Drainage layer	Expanded clay, pebbles, broken brick.
Flower pot	Deep and wide. Be sure to have drainage holes and a removable tray.

If improperly cared for, the plant can be affected by dry rot and root rot. It can also be susceptible to attacks by harmful insects, such as aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites.

Frequently asked questions about growing

Which aloe is more beneficial – arborescens or aloe vera?

The chemical composition of Vera is most similar to that of the Arborescens species. Traditional and folk medicine utilize both species of this plant. Therefore, both species are virtually equally beneficial.

Where can I get aloe seeds?

Seeds can be purchased at specialty stores or. Collecting them yourself is very difficult, as the plant rarely blooms indoors.

Do succulents need complex soil?

Succulents do not require complex soil because they are able to accumulate nutrients in their leaves.

If aloe vera stretches a lot, what does this mean?

The flower stretches when there's insufficient light. The solution may be moving the plant to a better-lit windowsill or installing additional lighting.

Aloe was introduced to Europe in the 18th century. The flower's native habitat is warm climates. In our climate, this plant can only be grown indoors, and most gardeners only see the Variegated, Arborescent, and Aloe Vera varieties.