Aloe vera - 1ga

Aloe vera is a stemless or short-stemmed succulent widely cultivated for its medicinal properties and ornamental value. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, it is now naturalized in various arid and tropical regions worldwide. The plant forms a rosette of thick, fleshy, pale green leaves that may exhibit a slight blue or gray hue. Each leaf can grow up to 18 inches long and is edged with soft, white teeth. When cut, the leaves exude a clear gel commonly used in skincare products and traditional medicine for its soothing, moisturizing, and wound-healing properties. Aloe vera produces tall, unbranched flower stalks bearing tubular yellow or orange blooms, typically in spring or summer, though flowering is rare in container-grown plants. It thrives in full sun to light shade, preferring well-drained soil and low to moderate watering, and is sensitive to frost, making it suitable for USDA Zones 9–11 or indoor cultivation in colder climates. This species propagates readily through offsets, forming clumps over time. Aloe vera is well-suited for container gardens, medicinal herb beds, and xeriscapes, offering both functional and aesthetic value to low-water landscapes.