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Aloe arborescens

Torch aloe

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Flowers
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Flowers	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D

Botanical name: Aloe arborescens
Common name: Torch aloe
Family: Liliaceae
Plant Type: Cactus or succulent, Conservatory, House plant, Perennial

Flower colour:

Red

Foliage colour:

Green

Key features:
Dramatic foliage

The torch aloe, Aloe arborescens, is native to Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. It bears dense rosettes of succulent, toothed, sword-shaped leaves, from which tall,torch-like red flowers – similar to kniphofia – appear in summer.

For best results grow Aloe arborescens in cactus compost in a large container and water sparingly. Stop watering altogether between September and March. It’s best suited to growing as a houseplant in the conservatory or greenhouse, but it can be moved to a sheltered, sunny patio in summer.

Aloe arborescens is unlikely to flower in Britain.

How to grow Aloe arborescens

Plant size

4m height

2m spread
Aspect

South facing, west facing

Sun exposure: Full sun
Hardiness: Tender
Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy

Plant calendar

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Plant
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Flowers
Flowers	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D