There are over 250 species of Aloes in the world, mostly native to Africa. They range in size from little one inch miniatures to huge trees. The most common Aloe is Aloe barbadensis better known as Aloe vera. Aloes are semitropical and can not endure frost like temperatures. They should be planted in full sun to light shade in well drained soil area. You can grow aloes indooors if you have a well lighted area or sunny window. Grow them indoors in winter and put them outside in summer. Strange as it may seem the frost of this past winter caused so many plants to flower and that included my aloes. My mature aloe plants have produced flowers in the form of a tall branch with peach flowers. Aloes store water in their leaves and roots. Hummingbirds love aloe nectar and I love having the humming birds around.Aloe Vera, which is widely known and used for its curative properties, is but one of hundreds of Aloes. Aloes range in size from tiny miniatures, just a little bigger than your thumb, to trees which grow 30 to 40 feet tall. The miniatures and small Aloes will want filtered light to morning sun. The larger Aloes can be given filtered sun or early morning, very late afternoon sun in desert climates. In most climates they enjoy a lot of full sunlight. Let them go somewhat dry between waterings. This is a strong, durable plant. Best to provide frost protection to prevent possible scarring. This can be accomplished by covering with old sheets, or other cloth or even newspapers.

Aloe aristata, also known as Torch Plant and Lace Aloe, is a species of aloe indigenous to South Africa and surrounding countries. It is stemless, sawtoothed and succulent. They can be propogated by suckers(small plants that grow under the original plant. As they become bigger they peek out from under the larger plant. Leaves are dotted with white textured areas (papillae) and have white marginal "teeth". Click photo for complete information.

Aloe Crosby

Sizes

4" pot $4.00 6" pot $8.00

Aloe crosby is considered to be a hybrid between Aloe nobilis and Aloe humilis var. echinatum. It forms small rosettes with dense, lanceolate deep green leaves with long, translucent marginal "teeth". Clusters freely to form clumps quickly. It is an excellent patio plant or in rock gardens. Like most succulents it requires porous soil and adequate drainage. It requires bright light to full sun and ample airflow. Allow to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost.

Aloe ciliaris, native to South Africa, forms rosettes of emerald green lanceolate leaves with tiny white teeth on margins. Known as the "Climbing Aloe" as it tends to scramble upward, often spiralling as it climbs. Offsets prolifically to form dense mats. Bright orange tubular flowers on tall spikes appear in late winter and early spring. Flowers are interesting as they are bright yellow inside, but orange outside. Click the photo for more information.

Aloe humilis, native to South Africa, forms powdery blue rosettes with slender leaves that have raised translucent pinnacles (teeth) on all surfaces of leaves and whitish marginal teeth. Reddish bell-shaped flowers on tall stalks. Porous soil with adequate drainage. Filtered to bright light with ample airflow. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost. It is now the end of January and almost every humilis I have is flowering!

Aloe ibitiensis recommended growing zones are 9b-10. They originated in Madascar. They are fairly fast growers whose leaves grow to be thick and succulent. Ibitiensis like light shade. They are perennial with constant rosettes. Aloe ibitiensis require little water in winter, and moderate in summer. Like many succulents they may be propagated by offsets/pups and seeds

Aloe plicatilis is a unique and striking much-branched shrub or small tree. Aloe Plicatilis aka fan aloes grow to about 3 feet tall. The leave clusters look like a fan, hence the common name fan aloe. The leaves are almost smooth, except for some small teeth in the upper part. The leaves are about 12” long and about 2” wide. Their flowers are a scarlet color. It flowers from August to October. The species name plicatilis means fan-like, pleated or folding together.

Aloe striata is a stemless aloe with blue green leaves. The leaves are spineless having a smooth reddish margin without any teeth. Without the sun the margins remain green in color. Attractive coral red flowers are borne during the winter months on tall flat-topped inflorescences. It grows in stony soils on rocky hillsides in arid areas near the coast and the drier inland karoo areas.

Aloe vera, which is actually Aloe barbadensis, forms upright, clustering rosettes of fleshy grayish-green lanceolate leaves. Juvenile plants have leaves with spots, and rather than forming rosettes, usually have leaves in opposing ranks. Flowers are yellow and are borne on tall spikes, often visited by hummingbirds. Native to the Canary Islands. Considered to have medicinal and emollient properties. Used widely in shampoos and skin lotions. Click on the photo for more information about Aloe vera.

Aloe wickensii is best grown in zones 9b-10. Wickensii grow well in full sun. They are drought tolerant and store their water in their succulent leaves. They may be propagated by offsets and seeds. Aloe wickensii from Southern Africa including Mozambique, Swaziland and Mpumalanga has long tapering bluish-grey leaves, colouring up with a purple hue in bright light. Leaves have brown marginal teeth. Click photo for complete information.

Aloe zanzibarica grow in zones 9b-10. Their origin is Socotra Archipelago. They are drought resistant, requiring little water. Propagate by offsets or seeds. Zanzibarica send out rosettes which enlarge the plant and offer propagating opportunities. Aloe zanzibarica, native to Africa, forms somewhat columnar star-shaped rosettes to 3" in diameter. Leaves are lime-green margined with whitish translucent teeth. Rosettes turn reddish in bright light. Tall spikes of tubular orange flowers loved by hummingbirds. Requires porous soil with excellent drainage. Bright, filtered light with ample airflow. Protect from frost.