Aloe Vera ‘Black Gem’ is an attractive succulent which forms a dense clump rosettes of fleshy, dark bronze leaves with spiny margins. Flowers can appear in summer months however, this is highly dependent on the climate. It is rare to see these orange-red flowers in Ireland & the UK. The sap/juice from the plant can be used to help skin conditions and soothe the skin from burns. This can be extracted by tearing off a leaf and opening it to expose the sap. It can grow to a height of 15 cm and spread of 20 cm.
Suggested Care: Aloe Vera ‘Black Gem’ grows best indoors as a house plant in a container. However, it can be grown in sheltered well-drained soil in a sunny area. It will not grow well in continuously wet compost or full shade and is also not drought tolerant. It can be divided in summer once established.
Planting Instructions: Break up the soil well before planting and dig a hole twice the size of the pot. Remove plant from the pot by tapping the rim of the pot in ‘up side down’ position. Do not pull the plant from the pot. Firm soil after planting and water regularly for the first month.
