To use your aloe vera plant without killing it, you need to harvest the leaves properly. Here's how:
Harvesting Aloe Vera Leaves Safely
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use a Clean, Sharp Knife: A serrated knife works well. |
| 2 | Sanitize the Knife: Clean the knife with rubbing alcohol before cutting. |
| 3 | Select Mature Leaves: Choose large, mature leaves from the base of the plant. |
| 4 | Cut Correctly: Cut the leaf as close to the base of the plant as possible. |
Detailed Steps for Harvesting:
- Selecting the Right Leaves: Only harvest mature leaves. These are typically on the outer parts of the plant and are larger.
- Using a Clean Tool: According to Instacart, clean your cutting tool with rubbing alcohol before cutting to prevent infection.
- Cutting Technique: Cut the leaf as close to the base as you can. This helps the plant heal properly.
By following these steps, you can harvest aloe vera leaves for their gel without harming the plant, allowing it to continue to grow and provide more leaves in the future.
