Aloe vera

Plant Family

Aloaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Aloe vera

Photo by: JAMES H. SCHUTTE

Plant Common Name

Aloe Vera, Barbados Aloe

General Description

True aloe is an outstanding ornamental succulent that is cultivated outdoors, where winters are frost-free, and indoors as a potted plant for sunny exposures. It is believed to have originated from northwestern Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, but because of a long history of widespread human distribution its true nativity is unknown.

This clump forming succulent plant produces rigid upright rosettes of light green, thick, lance-like leaves edged with tiny yellow teeth. If broken, they emit a mucilaginous gel that is traditionally used as a topical skin treatment for rashes and burns. Rosettes produce offsets freely developing into large clumps over time.

Aloe vera blooms in spring forming tall, erect stems topped with spiky clusters of bright yellow tubular flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds. These are followed by oblong pods filled with seeds, but almost all commercially grown aloe plants are propagated by cuttings, not seeds. On the other hand, this species will cross pollinate with other nearby aloes producing hybrid volunteer seedlings with different flower colors.

Aloe, like all succulents, demands rapid sharp drainage to prevent root and foliar rot. When planted outdoors choose sloping surfaces and rock gardens with sandy gravelly soils. In pots it is best planted in containers designed with generous drain holes. These should be filled with porous potting soil designed for cacti and succulents. Beware of bottom saucers, which can restrict drainage. Aloe plants prefer a more pot bound condition and dry soil, particularly when grown indoors during the winter when light levels are at their lowest. When so pot bound the roots far outnumber any available growing medium, divide and replant.

Characteristics

• AHS Heat Zone

  12 - 8

• USDA Hardiness Zone

  9 - 12

• Sunset Zone

  H1, H2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

• Plant Type

  Cactus or Succulent

• Sun Exposure

  Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

• Height

  1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

• Width

  1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m

• Bloom Time

  Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Late Winter

• Native To

  Northern Africa

Growing Conditions

• Soil pH

  Neutral, Alkaline

• Soil Drainage

  Well Drained

• Soil type

  Loam, Sand

• Tolerances

  Drought, Salt

• Growth Rate

  Medium

• Water Requirements

  Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant

• Habit

  Rosette/Stemless

• Seasonal Interest

  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

• Flower Interest

  Showy

• Flower Color

  Light Yellow, Lemon Yellow

• Foliage Color (Spring)

  Gray Green

• Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

  Spotted/Mottled

• Foliage Color (Summer)

  Green, Gray Green

• Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

  Spotted/Mottled

• Foliage Color (Fall)

  Gray Green

• Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

  Spotted/Mottled

• Foliage Color (Winter)

  Olive, Gray Green

• Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

  SpottedMottled

• Fragrant Flowers

  No

• Fragrant Fruit

  No

• Fragrant Foliage

  No

• Bark or Stem Fragrant

  No

• Flower Petal Number

  Single

• Repeat Bloomer

  No

• Showy Fruit

  No

• Edible Fruit

  No

• Showy Foliage

  Yes

• Foliage Texture

  Coarse

• Foliage Sheen

  Matte

• Evergreen

  Yes

• Showy Bark

  No

Special Characteristics

• Usage

  Container, Feature Plant, Herb / Vegetable, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical, Wildflower

• Sharp or Has Thorns

  Yes

• Invasive

  No

• Attracts

  Hummingbirds

• Self-Sowing

  Yes