The present invention includes compositions and methods for increasing the absorption of nutrients by plants to increase their growth comprising: identifying a plant in need of enhanced nutrient uptake and growth when compared to non-treated plants； obtaining a whole leaf aloe vera extract and at least one plant nutrient selected from nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), or potassium (K)； and mixing the whole leaf aloe vera extract into a plant growth media, wherein the plant absorbs the one or more plant nutrients at a higher rate and the plants have at least one of increased growth, increased grain size, increased grain yield, increased panicles, or an increase in the number of seedlings per plant when compared to the addition of the one or more nutrients alone.
