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Cactus SucculentHouseplantsConservatory Greenhouse

Aloe vera

Barbados aloe

An evergreen perennial to 0.6m, forming rosettes of fleshy, narrow, dull green leaves with spiny margins, with long racemes of tubular greenish-yellow flowers 3cm in length in racemes to 90cm in length

Other common names
Bitter Aloes
Curaçao aloe
Synonyms
Aloe barbadensis
Aloe vulgaris

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Asphodelaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Potentially harmful
Human/Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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

Plant range
SW Arabian Peninsula

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow indoors in a container of peat-free, cacti potting compost, or peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added horticultural grit. Water moderately when in growth, very sparingly when dormant in winter. Apply a general liquid fertiliser monthly from May to August. Can be placed outdoors in summer, see aloe cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed as soon as ripe, or propagate by separating offsets in spring or early summer. Root offsets in cactus potting compost

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Mediterranean climate plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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