Aloe castanea
A succulent, evergreen perennial forming a rosette of thick, fleshy, grey-green leaves, toothed at the margins. Mature plants may produce a flower stalk to 1m long, of densely packed brown flowers
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Aloe can be mat-forming or shrubby evergreen perennials, with rosettes of fleshy leaves and small tubular flowers in racemes or panicles
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
In containers grow in a loam-based potting compost with extra added sharp sand or horticultural grit. Position plants in full sun. Water freely in growth and apply a balanced liqid fertiliser every month during the growing season. Move plants under glass during winter and keep the compost almost dry. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by stem or leaf cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.