Origins
Aloe Vera - the medicinal succulent known for soothing burns - has been popular for centuries but found renewed interest 2015-2020 during the succulent/wellness boom.
The Wellness Angle (2015-2020)
Why Aloe Vera persisted:
- Medicinal use (sunburns, cuts, skincare)
- Edible gel (juices, smoothies)
- Air-purifying (NASA list)
- Drought-tolerant (low-maintenance)
- Affordable ($5-15)
Instagram growth: 500K+ posts annually (steady).
The Propagation Boom (2016-2020)
Aloe Vera produces pups (offsets) prolifically:
- One plant = 5-20 pups per year
- Easy separation and replanting
- Trading/gifting culture (“Does anyone want Aloe pups?”)
- r/TakeaPlantLeaveaPlant flooded with offers
Care Simplicity
Beginner-friendly:
- Water every 2-3 weeks
- Bright indirect light
- Well-draining soil
- Minimal fertilizer
Common mistakes:
- Overwatering (leads to rot)
- Too much direct sun (turns brown)
DIY Skincare Trend (2017-2020)
Plant parents harvested Aloe gel for:
- Sunburn relief
- Face masks
- Hair treatments
- DIY skincare recipes
YouTube “how to harvest Aloe Vera” tutorials hit millions of views.
Cultural Legacy
Aloe Vera never became trendy (too common, too utilitarian), but remained a practical, multi-functional plant. The first-aid kit of the plant world.
Sources
- NASA Clean Air Study (1989)
- r/Succulents Aloe posts
- YouTube Aloe skincare tutorials (2017-2020)