Heath Aloe (Aloe ericetorum)

Photo: amantedarmaninCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Heath Aloe Plant Care

Aloe ericetorum Bosser

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its narrow, spiky leaves and vibrant green hue, this plant originates from the highlands of Madagascar. Plant collectors are drawn to Aloe ericetorum for its unique appearance and compact size, making it a sought-after addition to any succulent collection.

🪴Houseplants🌵Succulents
Water

Every 14–21 days

Light

Bright indirect

Temp

50–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Heath Aloe?

Water Heath 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 Heath Aloe Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Heath Aloe?

Heath Aloe (Aloe ericetorum) belongs to the Asphodelaceae family within the Aloe genus. Heath Aloe is native to North central Madagascar first described in 1968.

Heath Aloe displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Heath Aloe produces the flowers of aloe ericetorum are tubular and bright orange in color, adding a splash of vibrancy to its already attractive foliage..

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Heath Aloe?

Aloe ericetorum 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 Heath Aloe Need?

Heath Aloe thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Heath Aloe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Heath Aloe Prefer?

Aloe ericetorum grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Heath Aloe prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Heath Aloe?

Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Heath Aloe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Heath Aloe?

Feed Heath 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 Heath Aloe?

Repot Aloe ericetorum every 2-3 years in the spring when it has outgrown its current container.. 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 Heath Aloe?

Heath 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 Heath 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 Heath Aloe?

Heath 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 Heath Aloe Need?

Heath Aloe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Heath Aloe is native to North central Madagascar first described in 1968. In cooler regions, grow Heath Aloe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10a – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Heath 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.

Heath 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 ericetorum Bosser, family Asphodelaceae (first published in Adansonia , n.s., 8: 508 (1968)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Heath 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: amantedarmanin, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 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.

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