How often should I water it?

Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, but it requires a very large, well draining container and will grow much slower.

Plant guide

Quiver Tree.

Aloidendron dichotomum

Pronounced al-oh-ih-DEN-dron dy-KOT-oh-mum

Also known as Aloe-Tree, Quiver Tree, Quivertree Aloe

Aloidendron dichotomum — Photo by dune_ninja (CC0) via gbif

The Quiver Tree is a striking succulent that grows into a tree-like form with a distinct, branching crown. It is native to arid regions of Southern Africa and is well adapted to intense heat and dry conditions. Its name comes from the San people, who used the hollowed branches to store their arrows.

Another photo of Quiver Tree — Photo by Tony Rebelo (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Succulent tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 14 to 30 days
Mature size: Up to 7 meters tall
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Mid winter

Care

Provide plenty of direct sunlight and ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings. Watch for soft or mushy stems, which indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Keep the plant in a very well-draining, gritty cactus mix to prevent root rot.

Watering: Allow the soil to dry out entirely before watering again.
Feeding: Feed sparingly with a balanced succulent fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Pruning is rarely needed, but you can remove dead or damaged branches for aesthetics.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its container.
Soil: Gritty, well-draining cactus soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Temperature: -4 to 45°C
Humidity: 10 to 40%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 80 to 150 years
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Stunted growth despite proper care

Safety

People: The sap is mildly toxic and can cause irritation if ingested or touched.
Pets: The sap is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep children away from the sharp, serrated leaf edges to avoid scratches.
Contact allergens: The sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption and may cause digestive distress.

How to identify it

Tree-like succulent habit
Smooth, pale greyish bark
Dichotomous branching pattern
Blue-green fleshy leaves
Sharp, serrated leaf margins

Height: 3 to 7m
Spread: 2 to 4m
Leaves: blue-green, evergreen
Flowers: yellow, 2 to 4cm
Fruit: brown, Late spring

Problems to watch for

MealybugsCommon
Root RotCommon
DehydrationUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Protect from heavy frost and keep the soil completely dry during the winter months.
In containers: It grows well in large terracotta pots with excellent drainage, but it is best suited for the ground.

Cuttings

1. Take a cutting from a healthy branch.
2. Allow the cut end to callous for two weeks.
3. Plant in dry, sandy soil.
4. Wait for roots to form before watering.

Group with other slow growing succulents that do not require frequent soil disturbance.

Grows well with

Desert Rose · They share similar water and light requirements.
Blue Agave · They provide a striking architectural contrast in a desert garden.

Similar species

Aloe barberae · Another tree like aloe that grows much larger.
Aloe pillansii · A closely related species with a similar growth habit.

Science

Family: Asphodelaceae
Genus: Aloidendron
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Namibia and South Africa
Conservation: This species is listed as vulnerable in its native habitat due to climate change and habitat loss.

It thrives in rocky, arid desert environments by storing water in its fibrous trunk.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, birds
Uses: ornamental specimen, xeriscaping

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 1/9
Nutrients: 2/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water it?: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Can I grow it in a pot?: Yes, but it requires a very large, well draining container and will grow much slower.

Where the name comes from

The name dichotomum refers to the way the branches fork into two equal parts, while Aloidendron describes its tree like aloe appearance.

Good to know

It is a succulent tree that can live for over 100 years.
The tree is a symbol of the arid landscapes of the Northern Cape.
It stores water in its trunk to survive extreme droughts.
The bark is covered in sharp, papery scales.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.