Aloe maculata

soap aloe
Spotted aloe. Produces pom-pom clusters of dusty orange flowers in spring held on tall stalks. Clusters to make dense colonies over time.
Aloe maculataAloe maculataAloe maculataAloe maculata
height 6–8in
width 1–3ft
tolerates Coast, Cool Summers, Drought, Deer , Fog, Gophers, Neglect, Salt, Wind
water
needs		 Lowest
water
info		 Aloes thrive on neglect, making them one of the easiest garden plants for California. They are drought-tolerant, and this one will not need additional water once established in your garden and Aloe maculata has actually naturalized on the central coast of California (as seen in the photo here near Gazos Creek and also outside Halfmoon Bay) where you’ll only spot it when the tall, bright flower spikes pop up out of the chaparral.

While it’s one of the most tolerant of drought, it’s also one of the least attractive when severely under-watered, quickly getting crispy tips.
hardy
to		 25F
exposure Full Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Heavy Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose 1/2 Strength, Low Needs
origin S Africa
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 9, 14–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Easily establishes colonies via underground stolons so that new heads seem to arrive as an entirely new plant away from the mother plant. These are very easy to remove and propagate.
Turns reddish brown with a lot of sun and looks best in part shade.
Once the flower stalks are completely bloomed out and dry, they will come out with a light tug, or can be pruned off low in the crown.
This aloe tends to get crispy tips and not look that great when potted; it’s best planted in the ground.

Special Interest

The common name soap aloe comes from this plant being used at soap in its natural habitat.

Hummingbirds love aloes, many of which are pollinated by birds in their native habitat.