Aloe vera is a succulent houseplant with thick, fleshy leaves that contain clear gel and a bitter yellow sap, commonly grown indoors or in warm-climate landscaping and used in topical gels for skin care. The sap contains compounds that may upset the digestive tract and cause vomiting or diarrhea if chewed, while purified inner gel is less concerning. Keep whole leaves, sap, and trimmings out of reach and avoid ingestion.
Aloe grows in a rosette of thick, triangular leaves with small teeth along the edges. It stores water for dry conditions. It is often kept as a potted houseplant or patio plant and may send up tall flower stalks in warm seasons. Offshoots are often separated and repotted, leaving extra trimmings.
Cut leaves drip clear gel and yellow sap that can spread on counters or floors. Store-bought aloe gels often include alcohols, fragrances, or preservatives meant for topical use only. Even dried leaf pieces in potting soil or trash may stay tempting.
