Origin
The Aloe vera is a species of plant that originally hails from the Arabian Peninsula. Over the centuries, the plant has spread and is now found worldwide in many tropical, sub-tropical and dry areas. Due to the health benefits attributed to it, it was known in ancient times as the 'plant of immortality' amongst the Egyptians.

Characteristics
Aloe vera is an evergreen, succulent plant with fleshy, spear-shaped leaves that grow out of a central rosette. The leaves are usually blue-green, but can take on a shade of brown or red in full sun. They are covered with small white dots and have sharp, brown teeth along the edges. In the right climate, it produces yellow flowers on a stalk that protrudes above the leaves in the spring or early summer.

Care
Aloe vera requires little water and is therefore very easy to maintain. The main requirement is a well-draining soil to avoid root rot. Ideally, the plant should be placed in direct sunlight, but it can also thrive in light shade. It is a heat-loving plant and does not tolerate frost. When kept indoors, the plant is best placed near a sunny window. When watering, moderation is important: the soil must dry out completely between waterings.