Aloe
Aloe spp.
Aloe nobilis-Top by Rob Cowie (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
H3-H1a
RHS hardiness
-5°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
5m | Max | 2m |
20cm | Min | 20cm |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Aloe
Aloe Overview
Aloe is a large family of perennial, succulent, flowering plants that have characteristically fleshy leaves edged with spikes and arranged in rosettes. Many are native to Africa; some are tree or shrub-like and other species have climbing habits. Succulents are a good water-wise choice. The leaves are fleshy, water-holding and when cut, release a gel containing over 75 active constituents, including multiple vitamins! Aloes are also popular houseplants - particularly in cooler zones - due to their ease of care, attractive leaves and bright flowers. They have warm orange, red or yellow blooms in winter that are bell-shaped to tubular in appearance and form clusters atop simple, leafless stems. These flowers are nectar-rich and can provide food to many insects and birds, inviting welcome visitors to your garden and adding diversity in warm climes. Aloes differ in their temperature requirments, some doing better in full, direct sunshine while others prefer bright, indirect light. Aloes need to be planted in well-draining soil and watered only when the soil has thoroughly dried out, for best results. The famous Aloe vera species also have many medicinal and cosmetic applications.
Common problems with Aloe
Overwatering or wet conditions can lead to fungal Root Rot, they're also prone to sap-sucking insects which can be located beneath leaves near the base of the plant.
How to harvest Aloe
Pick leaves or flowers as needed for cosmetic/medicinal use.
How to propagate Aloe
Seed
Plant seed in spring in well-draining seedtrays.
Division
Offsets in late spring.
Cuttings
Propagation is by seed, stem cuttings.
Special features of Aloe
Drought resistant
Attracts birds
Aloe flowers are nectar-rich and a feast for sunbirds and sugarbirds in warm climates.
Indoor plant
Pot plant
Other uses of Aloe
Used as ornamentals, for medicinal and sometimes culinary use.