height | 1–3ft | |
width | 1–3ft | |
tolerates | Coast, Cool Summers, Fog, Pots, Rooftops, Wind | |
water needs |
Moderate – High | |
water info |
Aloe polyphylla comes from the dreary, rocky, rainy, mountain country of Lesotho and you’ll want to re-conceptualize what an aloe is to grow this one. The spiral aloe needs extra gritty soil, cool conditions (temperatures not exceeding 80F) and consistent water, sometimes several times a week. They do not want to ever dry out, which can happen quickly with the levels of drainage they prefer. Leaves should be ridged, thick and plump, soft squishy leaves are a sign of under watering. Brown tips can also indicate underwatering. They can be watered over the lower leaves to ensure water gets to the roots under the plant, but avoid watering in the top of the crown or you risk crown rot. Some people plant them at an angle, so that the water naturally sheds from the crown. |
|
hardy to |
23F | |
exposure | Part Shade – Full Sun | |
indoor outdoor |
Outdoor | |
drainage | Requires Perfect Drainage, Tolerates Sandy Soil | |
fertilizing | All Purpose 1/2 Strength, Low Needs | |
origin | Lesotho | |
california native |
No | |
sunset zones |
5, 6, 15–17, 24 |
Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.
Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.
Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.
Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams,
but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.
Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.