Aloe vera is one of the most helpful plants in the whole world! It has thick, green leaves that are full of a cool, clear gel inside. If you get a little sunburn or a small scrape, the gel from an aloe leaf can help your skin feel much better. People have been using aloe vera as a natural medicine for thousands of years, even way back in ancient Egypt! The queen of Egypt, called Cleopatra, is said to have used aloe gel to keep her skin soft and smooth.
Aloe vera plants love the sun and don’t need much water to grow, which makes them perfect for hot, dry places. They store water inside their thick, squishy leaves so they can survive without rain for a long time. If you look closely, you will see little prickles on the edges of their leaves, so be careful when you touch them! Aloe vera is also a great plant for your house because it helps clean the air you breathe. One aloe plant can grow baby plants right next to it, so you might start with one and end up with a whole aloe family!
