Aloe arborescens
candelabra aloe
Overview
Aloe arborescens is a multi-stemmed succulent shrub from southern Africa, growing 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) tall and as wide, branching into many rosettes in a candelabra form. Each rosette holds curved, grey-green to blue-green succulent leaves 1.5-2 feet (45-60 cm) long, edged with soft teeth. In winter, usually June to July in the southern hemisphere and December to February in the northern, the plant sends up unbranched conical flower spikes 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall packed with tubular orange to red flowers. Aloe arborescens grows on rocky outcrops, cliffs, and exposed slopes in South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, where it forms dense thickets. It tolerates drought, salt spray, and poor soil but is damaged by hard frost and rots in wet, poorly drained ground. The winter flowers draw sunbirds in the wild and hummingbirds and bees in cultivation. Plants root easily from stem cuttings and reach flowering size in 2 to 4 years. The leaf gel is used in traditional medicine and skin products.
Native Range
Aloe arborescens is native to southern Africa, from South Africa north through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. It grows on rocky outcrops, cliffs, and exposed mountain slopes, often forming dense thickets.Suggested Uses
Aloe arborescens is used in succulent gardens, dry slopes, coastal plantings, and large containers, spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) apart. Its winter flowers support birds and pollinators in frost-free climates. It is grown as a barrier or thicket where its size can be accommodated.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Bloom Information
Flowers open in winter, June to July in the southern hemisphere and December to February in the northern, when little else blooms. The conical orange-red spikes last several weeks. Bloom is heaviest on mature, sun-grown plants.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
orange to redFoliage Description
grey-green to blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Aloe arborescens grows in full sun to light shade and dry, sharply drained sandy or rocky soil. It tolerates drought, heat, salt spray, and poor soil once established and rots in wet, poorly drained ground. Water is given sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings, and withheld in cool, wet weather. The plant is damaged below about 25 F (-4 C) and is grown in containers and moved under cover where winters are cold. It roots easily from stem cuttings taken in spring or summer. No fertilizer is needed in lean soils.Pruning
Dead lower leaves and spent flower spikes are removed to keep the plant tidy. Overgrown stems are cut back in spring, and the cuttings root readily. No regular pruning is needed beyond shaping.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons