Candelabra Aloe
Aloe arborescens
- Native to:
- Botswana, Eswatini, Guam, Malawi, Mozambique, Palau, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Andrew massyn
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asphodelaceae
- Genus:
- Aloe
- Species:
- Aloe arborescens
- USDA Symbol:
- ALAR8
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- red, orange, yellow
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from crown and stem bases after fire damage. Thick succulent leaves provide some fire resistance.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to rocky, coastal areas in South Africa
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily at warm temperatures (21-27°C). Fresh seed has higher viability; germination rates decline with seed age.