Thorny Aloe.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Succulent perennial

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

direct

Water

Every 14 to 30 days

Mature size

Height: 60cm, Spread: 90cm

Growth rate

slow

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 11

Bloom time

Late winter to spring

Care

Provide plenty of direct sunlight and well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, and allow it to dry out between waterings. Protect from frost and overwatering.

Watering

Water deeply when the soil is completely dry; reduce frequency in cooler months.

Feeding

Feed with a diluted cactus fertilizer once during the growing season (spring/summer).

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed to maintain shape and health.

Repotting

Repot every 1-2 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh succulent mix when root-bound.

Soil

Cactus or succulent mix

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

Temperature

5 to 35°C

Humidity

30 to 50%

Safety

People

Ingestion of large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhea and cramping. The latex, found just under the skin, is a potent laxative.

Pets

This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The plant itself is not toxic if ingested in small amounts, but the latex can cause stomach upset in children. Keep out of reach of small children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience skin irritation from handling the sap.

Airborne allergens

Pollen is generally not considered a significant respiratory allergen.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

• Thick, fleshy leaves in a rosette
• Sharp, white teeth along leaf margins
• Reddish-brown leaf tips
• Densely packed, thorny appearance
• Tall, branched flower spikes

Height

0.5 to 0.6m

Spread

0.7 to 0.9m

Leaves

Green, Grey-green, evergreen

Flowers

Orange, Red, Yellow, 3 to 4cm

Common problems

• Root rot — Overwatering can lead to fungal root rot, causing yellowing leaves and mushy stems.
• Mealybugs — Small, white, cottony insects that feed on plant sap, weakening the plant.
• Leaf spot — Fungal or bacterial infections can cause discolored spots on the leaves.

Growing it

Propagation

offsets, leaf cuttings, seed

When to plant

Spring, Summer

When planting aloe vera with other succulents, ensure they all have similar watering and light requirements to thrive together.

Grows well with

• Haworthia — These succulents share similar water and light needs, making them excellent companions in a well-draining pot.
• Echeveria — Echeverias appreciate similar bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, complementing aloe vera's aesthetic.
• Sedum — Many Sedum varieties are drought-tolerant and prefer similar conditions, ensuring they don't compete for resources.

Keep away from

• Fungi causing root rot — These fungi thrive in overly wet conditions, which aloe vera actively dislikes, potentially harming both plants if overwatered.

Similar species

• Agave — Agaves are often confused with aloes due to their similar rosette shape and succulent leaves, but they belong to a different family and have different growth habits.
• Gasteria — Gasterias also have thick, fleshy leaves and a rosette form, often preferring shadier conditions than aloe vera.

Science

Family

Asphodelaceae

Genus

Aloe

Order

Asparagales

Class

Liliopsida

Native range

Southern Arabian Peninsula, arid regions of Africa, Madagascar.

Conservation

Aloe vera is not currently listed as endangered or threatened, but wild collection should be avoided to protect natural populations.

It thrives in arid or semi-arid environments, surviving long periods of drought by storing water in its thick, fleshy leaves.

Uses

Skincare, Burn treatment, Moisturizer, Traditional medicine

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How much water does aloe vera need?

Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water thoroughly, but ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

What kind of light does aloe vera prefer?

Aloe vera thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct, intense sun can scorch the leaves.

Can I grow aloe vera indoors?

Yes, aloe vera is an excellent houseplant and does well in well-drained soil and bright light conditions.

Why are my aloe vera leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage, which can lead to root rot.

How do I propagate aloe vera?

Aloe vera produces offsets or 'pups' that can be carefully separated from the mother plant and potted on their own.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Aloe' comes from the Arabic 'alloeh', referring to the bitter gel. The species name 'vera' is Latin for 'true', possibly distinguishing it as the most commonly recognized species.

Good to know

• Aloe vera is a succulent, meaning it stores water in its leaves.
• It's a member of the Asphodelaceae family, which also includes daylilies and hostas.
• The plant can live for many years, sometimes decades, under good conditions.
• It's native to the Arabian Peninsula.
• Aloe vera has been cultivated for thousands of years across many cultures.