Aloe Vera plants are a common easy-care indoor plant known for its health and moisturising benefits including the treatment of mild sunburns and as an ingredient in some skin creams.
Although Aloe Vera indoor plants are well-known, there are still many more amazing fun facts about this plant to explore, as well as many stylish living decor ideas for this plant in your home or office.
We asked our HoryGirl potted plant expert to share some interesting Aloe Vera indoor plant fun facts and creative living decor ideas. Read on to learn more.
Fun Facts About Aloe Vera Plants
Origins and History of the Aloe Vera Plant
Native to eastern and southern Africa, the Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species of the genus, Aloe and its Latin name is Aloe barbadensis miller. The name Aloe is from the Arabic word “alloeh” that means “shining bitter substance” and the Latin word “vera” meaning “true.”
Over the years, the Aloe Vera plant has spread all over the world, and now grows in many arid, tropical or semi-tropical environments around the world for medicinal, agricultural and decorative purposes.
The use of Aloe for therapeutic medicinal purposes dates back for centuries. History reports suggest the Ancient Egyptians used Aloe Vera plants, at least 6,000 years ago, where it was regarded as “the plant of immortality” that held secrets to beauty, health and immortality. Cleopatra was also a fan of the Aloe Vera plant, and used Aloe in her beauty routines to keep her skin glowing and healthy.
Features of the Aloe Vera Plant
Aloe Vera plants have a short stem or are stemless with long, thick leaves that are green, thick and fleshy with serrated edges and small white teeth or dots. The plant is made up of 99 percent water and a variety of amino acids, enzymes, minerals, lipids, vitamins and hormones.
The Aloe Vera plant leaves have three components: the outer green skin, a layer of latex, and the mesophyll layer or the “gel.” This gel is where the water is stored allowing the plant to grow and survive during periods of drought.
Additionally, this gel is still widely used around the world in traditional and natural medicinal practices, and is used by some to treat skin ailments such as bug bites, acne and mild burns.
Living Decor Ideas for Aloe Vera Plants
Aside from the health benefits, the Aloe Vera plant also provides natural beauty, charm and interest to any living decor space such as the kitchen, living room, balcony, front foyer, front reception and many more.
Try a mixed arrangement of Aloe Vera plants with other succulents on a south or west facing window sill with indirect sunlight. In the summer months, bring your arrangement out on the patio or deck to enjoy your plants outside.
Another sweet and smart location for your Aloe Vera indoor plant could be on a kitchen windowsill where it adds a fun attractive look and gives you easy access if you choose to use its healing gel if minor kitchen mishaps occur.
You could also transform your office bookshelves or open racks by adding Aloe Vera plants to show your love of nature and to add a beautiful yet bold contrast to any light-coloured walls or shelves. Additionally, you could also try placing one or two Aloe Vera plants between art sculptures, foyer cabinet art pieces or dining table centrepieces to enhance the room and add an instant fresh style to your living decor.
Finishing Up
The Aloe Vera indoor plant is a unique and lovely plant that not only adds warmth and beauty to your living decor, but also offers health and medicinal benefits. If you’re wondering where to buy one of these lovely indoor plants for yourself or your loved one, you can find them at your local retailer.
If you already bought the plant for yourself or received it as a gift from a loved one and you’re looking for Aloe Vera plant care advice, read our Aloe Vera Plant Care Tips Blog.