How do you grow aloe vera gel?

The secret to "growing" aloe vera gel lies in properly growing the aloe vera plant itself, from which the gel is extracted. Here's how to do it:

Growing Aloe Vera Plants for Gel

Aloe Vera thrives in well-draining soil that provides good air circulation. You have two main options:

Pre-made Cactus or Succulent Mix: The easiest option is to purchase a commercially available cactus or succulent potting mix from your local garden center.
DIY Aloe Vera Soil Mix: If you prefer to create your own, a good blend consists of:
- 50% Potting Soil
- 30% Sand (coarse horticultural sand is best)
- 20% Perlite

This combination ensures proper drainage and prevents root rot, a common problem for aloe vera.

Choose the Right Pot: Select a pot with drainage holes. Terra cotta pots are ideal because they allow the soil to dry out between waterings. The pot should be only slightly larger than the aloe vera plant's root ball.
Planting the Aloe: Gently remove the aloe vera from its existing container. Loosen the roots and place the plant in the new pot, filling in around it with your prepared soil mix. Leave about an inch of space between the soil surface and the rim of the pot.

Water Sparingly: Aloe vera are succulents and store water in their leaves. Overwatering is a common mistake. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Water Thoroughly: When you do water, soak the soil completely until water drains from the drainage holes. Then, don't water again until the soil is dry. During the winter months, you'll need to water even less frequently.

Bright, Indirect Light: Aloe vera needs plenty of light, but direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. A location near a sunny window (east- or west-facing) is ideal.
Rotate Regularly: Rotate the plant regularly to ensure all sides receive adequate light. This helps prevent the plant from leaning towards the light source.

Warm Temperatures: Aloe vera prefers temperatures between 55°F and 80°F (13°C to 27°C).
Protect from Frost: Aloe vera is not frost-tolerant. If you live in an area with cold winters, bring your aloe vera plant indoors before the first frost.

Once your aloe vera plant is mature (typically after a few years), you can harvest the gel from its leaves.

Choose a Mature Leaf: Select a large, healthy-looking leaf from the bottom of the plant.
Cut the Leaf: Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the leaf close to the base of the plant.
Drain the Aloin: Stand the cut leaf upright in a container for about 15 minutes to allow the yellow aloin (a latex substance) to drain out. Aloin can be irritating to the skin, so it's important to remove it.
Fillet the Leaf: Lay the leaf flat and use a knife to remove the spiky edges. Then, carefully cut away the top and bottom layers of the leaf to expose the clear gel inside.
Scoop out the Gel: Use a spoon to scoop out the clear gel into a clean container.
Store the Gel: Aloe vera gel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

By following these steps, you can successfully grow aloe vera plants and harvest your own fresh aloe vera gel!