Ginny what Aloe are you using for your skin problem. This information could help others. There several others that also can be used. Norma

HI Ginny,

Do you actually know what kind of Aloe you've got? My sense (of course I could be wrong) is that you're new at this & may not know there are MANY different kinds of Aloes, only a few of which are OK to be used as you are planning.

Call me cynical, but since you already HAVE a skin problem, do yourself a favor &go out & buy the real thing (some kind of Aloe Vera product), not just unidentified leaves or plants, which could of course, make your skin worse or cause irritation.

Sorry, but in health matters I belive in "better safe than sorry".

Thank you for your responses; sorry I was so long in getting back to you.

I believe the Aloe I have is the Aloe Barbadensis from the pictures I see on the web.

I am trying to control my psoriasis with natural remedies rather than medical remedies. All the doctors have to suggest is to use steroid creams for the rest of your life. If you read up on steroid creams you'll say no thank you.

I know using alternative remedies isn't proven by the medical field (I am a nurse) but many people have found alternative remedies to help them.

I have purchased Aloe Vera from the stores, but from the reading I have done (and I have done a ton) the recommendation is to use the gel from the plant itself.

I am still needing advice on how to keep this alive over the cold wet winter.

Thanks
Ginny

you say you live in zone 9.. is that 9a or 9b? If the latter, you should have no problems with this plant outdoors year round.. .zone 9a you may have to take it in for a few months when the temps get below 29F.. You could put in on your window sill for that time and it will be fine.. .the rest of the year, leave outdoors and give it some full sun.

Just checked USDA Hardiness Zones and I'm 8B.

We don't get many, if any days below 29.

We do get a lot of rain at times. I thought these plants were supposed to dry out between waterings?

Ginny

Sorry, I grow indoors only, so can't suggest how to winter over your plant. I keep my Aloes on a sunny west facing window.

(I have bought & used Aloe gel sold in tubes, supposedly '99% pure' from health food stores. Also in my neighborhod I've even seen the very large leaves for sale.)

Tell us where you actually live and you'll get better advice. Aloe vera can take winter rains in most parts of California just fine, but rain in combination with freezing temperatures won't suit it. I'd suggest that keeping it as a container plant and placing it up against a south or west facing wall under a protective eave may be adequate for leaving it outdoors. On nights that you get frost, just throw a cardboard box over it large enough not to touch the leaves, and maybe an additional blanket over that if it does drop much lower than 28F where you live. Aloe vera can show freeze damage right at 32F if it lasts for more than a few hours.

I live on the border of San Jose & Cupertino.

I can provide protection on very cold nights with either your box idea, moving it into the garage, or putting frost protection row covers over it. I did that for years with my citrus.

I am still confused about the fact winter rains are ok because I've read they need to dry out between waterings. Is it only in the summer they need to dry out?

Ginny

If you live in zone 9b or above, winter rains are fine, and even seem to be welcomed. But in cooler/colder climates, they can be deadly.

If you have a covered patio or covered porch or entryway, you could put it under that when it rains. They take a lot of water, but it is the combination of cold and water they don't like. Good luck with your use of it. Hope it helps you.

Thank you all for your ideas. I will try them!!
Ginny