It’s no secret that Aloe Vera is having a major moment right now. Whether you’re seeing it all over your Instagram feed as the “it” houseplant or spotting it on the ingredients list of your favorite skincare, this plant is everywhere. From serious botanical research to industrial processing, Aloe Vera has officially gone mainstream.
Aloe Vera 101
Most of us grow Aloe Vera as a trusty indoor succulent. It’s a tough little plant that thrives in warm, bright spots in the house. You’ll recognize it by its short stem and those iconic thick, fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. These leaves can get up to 24 inches long, tapering off to a point with tiny little spikes along the edges. If you’re lucky, your Aloe might sprout a long flower stalk in the spring, showing off tubular blossoms in shades of yellow, red, or orange.
When it comes to care, think “less is more.” Aloe Vera loves fresh, well-draining soil with a bit of sand mixed in. It doesn’t need much water at all, and a little liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season is plenty. Pro tip: In the winter, move your plant to a cooler spot (around 60°F). That chillier “rest period” is actually the secret to getting it to bloom again the following year!
How Aloe Vera is Used
In the U.S. and abroad, Aloe Vera is a powerhouse in the cosmetic and wellness industries. We all know it’s the go-to remedy for skin irritations—slapping that cooling gel on a sunburn provides instant relief and helps the skin heal faster. But the beauty industry has taken it a step further, infusing Aloe into just about everything. You’ll find it in:
- Hand and body lotions
- Body wash
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Facial toners
It doesn’t stop there, though. You’ll even see “Aloe-infused” cotton pads, tissues, paper towels, and Q-tips hitting the shelves. And because this succulent is great for digestion, it’s also a popular ingredient in health juices and drink concentrates.
The German Aloe Vera Center
If you ever find yourself traveling through Germany, you might be surprised to find a massive Aloe hub in the South Palatinate region, right along the “Southern Wine Route.” The German Aloe Vera Center has been growing and breeding these plants on a huge scale for years. They ship full plants and even individual leaves all across Europe, and they process their own line of juices and skincare on-site. The best part? The center—along with its “Cactus Land”—is open to visitors, making it a must-see for any plant lover!
