Where Can I Get an Aloe Plant? Your Guide to Finding This Soothing Succulent

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing, healing properties. This succulent plant produces a gel that can be used to treat minor burns, skin irritations, and dry skin. With its eas of care and versatility, it’s no wonder aloe plants are so popular. But where exactly can you get your hands on one? This guide will walk you through the main places to buy an aloe plant, things to look for when choosing one, and how to care for it once you bring it home.

Buying an Aloe Plant at a Nursery or Garden Center

One of the best places to purchase an aloe plant is from a local nursery or garden center There you can personally inspect the plants and choose the healthiest specimen with the features you want, Things to look for include

• Size – Aloe plants come in different sizes, from small 2-3 inch babies to larger, mature plants. Choose based on the size you want and have space for.

• Leaf color and condition – Look for rich green, plump leaves free of brown spots or damage. Pale yellowing leaves may indicate a nutrient deficiency.

• Root system – Check that the roots are firm, white, and not dried out or rotting This is a sign of a healthy, established plant.

• Pups – Some aloe plants produce baby plantlets or “pups” at their base. This is a great way to get multiple plants for your money.

• Pot – Make sure the nursery pot has drainage holes and that the plant is not rootbound. A plant that has outgrown its container will need repotting.

Popular nurseries for aloe plants include Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and local garden centers or nurseries. Prices range from $5-15 for small, starter plants to $20-40 for large, mature specimens. The benefit of buying in-person is you can hand select the exact plant you want.

Ordering Aloe Plants Online

The internet has opened up a world of plant shopping beyond what is available locally. Many specialty nurseries now sell aloe vera plants online and will ship them right to your door. Here are some top online sellers:

• Amazon – Amazon.com offers a huge selection of aloe vera plants in various sizes, some with free shipping for Prime members. Watch for ratings and reviews.

• Etsy – Lots of independent nurseries on Etsy offer unique aloe varieties, like variegated, medicinal, or cold-hardy types.

• Succulent Gardens – A nursery specializing in succulents, like aloe, that ships healthy, pest-free plants.

• Mountain Crest Gardens – Sells organic, potted aloe plants sourced from small family farms.

• Altman Plants – Specializes in mature landscape specimens like tree aloes. Provides wholesale plants to retailers.

When ordering plants online, look for sellers with excellent customer ratings and satisfaction guarantees. Read product details closely for plant size, health, and estimated shipping dates. Order early in the growing season to avoid heat damage.

Getting an Aloe Plant from a Cutting

One free way to get an aloe plant is by rooting a cutting from a friend or neighbor’s plant. Here’s how:

• Select a healthy “pup” or offset that is at least 2 inches long. Carefully separate it from the parent plant with a clean knife or shears.

• Allow the cut end to dry and scab over for 1-2 days. This prevents rotting.

• Pot the cutting in well-draining soil formulated for cacti and succulents. Bury only 1-2 inches of the base.

• Water sparingly at first until new growth appears, then water normally. Rooting takes 2-6 weeks.

• Once established, pup cuttings will grow into full aloe plants! Split overcrowded clumps to make more.

Getting a plant from a cutting allows you to propagate more aloe for free. This works for many succulent varieties. Just be sure to start with pest- and disease-free mother plants.

Caring for Your New Aloe Plant

Once you’ve acquired your aloe plant, following proper care guidelines will keep it happy and healthy. Here’s a quick primer:

• Light – Bright, indirect light indoors. Outdoors, plant in partial sun avoiding intense midday heat.

• Water – Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Water less in winter. Drainage is key.

• Soil – Use a cactus/succulent blend or mix your own gritty, sandy soil.

• Pot – Pick a container with drainage holes. Terra cotta pots promote drying.

• Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4 strength during growing season.

• Pups – Separate newly sprouted pups when they reach 2+ inches to avoid overcrowding.

With the right care, aloe plants will produceOffsets and “pups” can also be removed and repotted to make more plants!

Enjoying the Soothing Benefits of Aloe

Aloe vera is one of the most beneficial medicinal plants you can grow. The gel from inside the leaves can be applied to:

• Soothe minor burns, cuts, scrapes
• Hydrate dry, irritated skin
• Reduce acne and inflammation
• Ease sunburn pain and promote healing

To use, simply cut off a lower leaf and slice it open. Scoop out the clear gel and apply it directly to skin. Always do a patch test first to check for allergic reactions.

So don’t wait – go grab your own aloe plant today! With this handy guide, you’ll know the best places to find an aloe vera plant, what to look for, and how to help it thrive. Then you can reap the many soothing, healing rewards. Your skin will thank you!