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THE FIRST-AID MIRACLE PLANT
If you have never heard
of the first-aid plant, ask a few of your neighbors. You should soon find some who can tell you their experiences. They may
call it the "Burn Plant," but the official name is Aloe Vera.
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The succulent leaves of Aloe Vera are one of nature's perfect
packaging miracles. Break a leaf off the fleshy stem from which a fan of sessile leaves radiate, and the plant quickly seals
in the vital juices. Even the cut segment will heal over the end where it is sliced and retain its plumpness to remain green
for several days. In a refrigerator it keeps for two or three weeks. The transparent pulp from a fresh-cut leaf helps the
work of healing cuts and bums. It is used in shampoo, sunburn lotions, and bum ointment that has been given government contracts
after testing at Los
Alamos proving ground under the auspices of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Aloe has commonly been kept as a houseplant and the sap of the plant has been used to soothe the pain
of burns, rashes, insect bites, and other skin irritations. The application of aloe gel to the irritated area increases oxygen
flow to the area, helping speed the process of healing.
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For all the information you need on caring for, using,
planting,
and much more.
The Aloe Bible
12 inch Aloe vera plants |
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2 yrs. old |
Aloe Barbadensis Miller 12 inch, potted plants. Live healthy aloe vera in
4 inch pots, ready for immediate use. Complete planting, care, and use instructions included.
$20 each plus shipping/handling.
ALOE VERA PUPS |
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FOR SALE IN QUANTITY |
Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system, so when it is time to plant, propagate, or repot choose a wide
planter, rather than a deep one. Use a planter with a drainage hole, or provide a 1-2 inch layer of gravel in the bottom of
the pot to ensure adequate drainage. I find terra-cotta pots are perfect for aloe because they don't retain the extra moisture
that could damage the plant, but, if you are careful not to over water any planter will do. When you pot your aloe offshoots,
or the main plant, use regular potting soil with a extra perlite, granite grit, or coarse sand added. You may also use a packaged
'cacti mix' soil. I have had success with a composted ‘cow manure’ product. Dampen the soil before potting. The
plant won’t require more water for a couple of weeks. Then pierce the soil with a fork, breaking up the hard surface,
down to about two inches. This allows the soil to better absorb the water. Water lightly until it comes out of dormancy in
the spring. Fertilize yearly, in the spring with a dilute (half strength). Aloes are propagated by removing the offsets which
are produced around the base of mature plants, when they are a couple inches tall (or larger). I usually let them get 4 to
6 inches. Aloe plants love bright sun, but will do fairly well in medium light as well. Allow the soil to dry between watering
and water less in the winter than in the warm months. They like being pot bound in my experience, and may be divided each
spring or before if you have a lot of baby plants in the pot. The aloe is a succulent plant, with leaves that can hold water
for long periods at a time. Too much water can rot the plant, and it would take the most severe drought to dry it out. The
plant's only other enemy is cold. It will do quite well next to a window with even minimal light, but it prefers bright, indirect
lighting. An aloe plant is a welcome friend in the kitchen. Potting aloe is a great children's project by the way. The
plants are easy to handle, and hardy enough for little hands to replant.
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