Plants in the Aloe genus are easy to grow, forming dense clumps of fleshy, light green leaves with soft toothed margins. Spikes of tubular yellow to orange flowers appear in summer, but rarely in the UK.
The snowflake aloe, Aloe rauhii is a rare succulent, forming rosettes of triangular, pale green leaves with oval white spots and tiny teeth along the margins. In full sun the leaves develop a purplish orange colour.
For best results, grow Aloe rauhii indoors as a houseplant, or in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny part of the garden. Ideally, grow plants in pots, which you can use in patio displays in summer, and move indoors in winter.
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Aloe and wildlife
Aloe has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Aloe poisonous?
Aloe causes an upset stomach. Its foliage, roots and sap are toxic.
