Cape aloe
Also known as: bitter aloe; red aloe
An evergreen, succulent shrub with a woody stem crowned by a rosette of sword-shaped, blue-green leaves with reddish-brown spines along the leaf margins. An erect, branching spike of orange-red, bell-shaped flowers is borne in spring
Scientific classification
- Species
- Cape aloe (Aloe ferox)
- Genus
- Aloe
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Toxicity
- Cactus Succulent · Conservatory Greenhouse
- Plant type
- 2.5-4 metres
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- Evergreen
- Foliage
- Columnar upright
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
- Season of interest
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Cape aloe pictures
Distribution of Cape aloe
Distribution map
Southern Africa
Information to be completed
Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Quick identification of Cape aloe
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Cape aloe care guide
- Let gritty soil dry fully before each thorough watering cycle
- Watering
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Let gritty soil dry fully before each thorough watering cycle
Fertilizing
FertilizingVery dilute low-nitrogen succulent feed monthly in warm growth
Pruning
PruningNo pruning required
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed sown with heat as soon as ripe or from offsets in late spring or early
Growing
GrowingGrow under glass in a loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water moderately when in growth; very sparingly when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season
People also ask
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
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