How to cut and Harvest your Aloe Vera Plant
Wondering how to cut Aloe Vera? We’ve got you covered! Learn how to properly cut Aloe Vera with our detailed simple step-by-step instruction guide.
If you’re looking for a succulent that’s easy to care for, Aloe vera is a great option. Not only is it tolerant of neglect, but it also has many benefits. When you cut Aloe vera, you can use the gel inside the leaves to soothe your skin. Aloe vera gel is a clear, jelly-like substance that is extracted from the aloe vera plant leaves.
Where to find Aloe Vera leaves?
Aloe Vera leaves can be found at most health food stores. They are often sold in the supplement aisle or in the produce section.
Aloe Vera leaves can also be found at some grocery stores today, but they may be harder to find.
You can also purchase Aloe Vera leaves from a variety of online retailers.
Why cut and Prune Aloe Vera?
For one thing, it helps the plant grow fuller, bushier and thriving.
Pruning also encourages new growth, which means more gel for you to use. And if your plant is looking a bit leggy, trimming it back will help it to look more compact and tidier.
You can prune the plant at any time of year, but the best results will come from pruning in spring or summer.
Interesting Fact:
When you purchase an Aloe Vera leaf from a grocery store or health store you will notice that the cut end of the leaf will most likely be singed!
This is perfectly normal, as this keeps the gel from running from the leaf after being removed from the plant.
How to cut an Aloe Vera plant without Killing it!
When cutting your aloe vera plant, be sure to use a sharp knife or scissors.
You’ll want to make a clean cut so the plant can heal quickly. Cut off only what you need, as too much trimming can damage the plant.
Aloe vera plants are succulents, so they store water in their leaves. This means that if you cut off too many leaves, the plant will not have enough water to survive.
If you’re not sure how much to cut, it’s better to err on the side of caution and take off less than you think you need.
Choose the right Aloe Vera plant
Step 1:
Aloe Vera plants are a type of succulent, which means they store water in their leaves.
They’re popular houseplants because they’re easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
When choosing an Aloe Vera plant, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, consider the size of the plant. Aloe Vera plants can range from a few inches to several feet tall, and grow better in the perfect soil.
If you’re looking for a plant that will fit on a windowsill or small table, choose a smaller variety.
Depending on the area you will store your plant, if you have more space, you can go for a larger plant.
Secondly, consider taking a look at the plant’s leaves. They should be thick and fleshy, and range in color from green to gray-green.
Avoid plants with brown or yellow leaves, as these may be signs of disease or neglect.
Finally, When buying an Aloe Vera plant, it is important to check the label to make sure that it is 100% pure grown aloe vera with no pesticides or harmful chemicals used to grow the plant. Organic is always best!
Cut leaves from the plant
Step 2
To cut leaves from an Aloe Vera plant, follow these steps:
1. Choose a healthy leaf to cut. Aloe Vera leaves are often thick and fleshy, so you’ll need a sharp knife to make a clean cut.
2. Cut the leaf at the base, as close to the stem as possible.
3. Remove any thorns or spines from the leaf by running your knife down each side of the leaf. These can be sharp and can cause irritation if they come into contact with your skin.
4. Rinse the leaf under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
5. Use the leaf immediately or store it in a cool, dry place for later use.
Remove the Skin Form the leaf
Step 3
After you have cut off a leaf from the aloe vera plant, it is time to remove the side skin.
You can do this by gently peeling it away from the flesh of the leaf.
Start at the top of the leaf, with your knife under the skin, and work your way down.
Once the skin is removed, you can look at our next step in cutting the flesh of the leaf into pieces.
Top Tip here: After cutting the leaf from the plant, allow the leaf to stand upright on its cut end, to allow the Aloin yellow compound to run from the leaf.
The Aloin compound has been known to be an irritant.
Cut the leaf in half
Step 4
To make it easier to harvest the Aloe Vera gel, it is recommended to cut the leaf in half.
Here are some tips for cutting aloe vera leaves in half:
– Use a sharp knife or gardening shears to avoid crushing the leaf.
– Cut through the center of the leaf, avoiding the thorny edges if not already removed in the previous step.
– Once cut, twist the two halves of the leaf apart to separate them.
– You can now scoop out the gel from inside the leaf using a spoon.
Scoop out the gel
Step 5
Once you have peeled off the outer layer, you will be able to see the gel-like substance inside.
When you are ready to scoop out the gel, use a spoon to remove it from the plant.
You can also use a knife to cut it out, but be careful not to damage the soft gel from inside the leaf.
The gel can be stored in a container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How to store Aloe Vera gel once cut from the leaf.
To conclude, here are a few tips on how to store your aloe vera gel:
-Keep the gel in a cool, dark place.
-Make sure the container is airtight.
-If you plan on using it within a week or so, you can keep it in the fridge.
-Otherwise, you can store it in the freezer for up to six months.
Conclusion
Aloe Vera Plant Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) is one of the most popular houseplants. Aloe vera is a great plant for both gardeners and those who want to grow it indoors.
It is very easy to care for and can be used in many different ways. Whether you want to use it in your beauty regimen, or you want to grow it on your front porch, aloe vera is a great addition to any home.
It’s easy to care for and can be grown inside or outside, indoors or out. We hope we have demonstrated just exactly how easy it is to cut an Aloe Vera leaf without killing the plant and we hope you will share our blog with other Aloe Vera enthusiasts.
We also hope you will share your tips and tricks for taking care of your Aloe Vera and any other gardening questions you may have.
Stay Healthy Folks!
Reference: Images from YouTube //youtu.be/VvbAppDpEPs