Photo: Henry de LangeCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
African Aloe Plant Care
Aloe africana Mill.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its thick, fleshy leaves arranged in rosettes, Aloe africana is easily recognizable. Originating from South Africa, this succulent is highly sought after by plant collectors for its stunning orange-red flowers that bloom in the winter months.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect
50–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for African Aloe?
Water African Aloe every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the African Aloe Native To?
What Is the African Aloe?
African Aloe (Aloe africana) belongs to the Asphodelaceae family within the Aloe genus. African Aloe is native to the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. African Aloe is also known as Tree Aloe.
African Aloe displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. African Aloe produces the flowers of aloe africana are tubular, orange-red blooms that appear on tall stalks..
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a African Aloe?
Aloe africana requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the African Aloe Need?
African Aloe thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African Aloe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the African Aloe Prefer?
Aloe africana grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. African Aloe prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a African Aloe?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for African Aloe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a African Aloe?
Feed African Aloe every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a African Aloe?
Repot Aloe africana every 2-3 years in the spring to refresh its soil and provide room for growth.. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a African Aloe?
African Aloe can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aloe vera plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the African Aloe Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to cats and dogs
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the African Aloe?
African Aloe is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the African Aloe Need?
African Aloe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. African Aloe is native to the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In cooler regions, grow African Aloe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
African Aloe is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aloe genus — compare its care with other Aloe species on PlantoScan.
Aloe is part of the Asphodelaceae plant family — browse all Asphodelaceae genera and species.
African Aloe thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aloe Species
Other Aloe species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aloe africana Mill., family Asphodelaceae (first published in Gard. Dict. ed. 8 : n.º 4 (1768)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: African Aloe is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Henry de Lange, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
African Aloe Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species