Photo: linkieCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Socotran Aloe Plant Care
Aloe succotrina Lam.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Aloe succotrina is known for its striking triangular leaves with sharp, toothed edges, which are a vibrant green color. This succulent originates from the Eastern Cape of South Africa and is highly popular among plant enthusiasts for its unique appearance and drought-tolerant nature.
Every 14–21 days
Bright indirect
50–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Socotran Aloe?
Water Socotran 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 Socotran Aloe Native To?
What Is the Socotran Aloe?
Socotran Aloe (Aloe succotrina) belongs to the Asphodelaceae family within the Aloe genus. Socotran Aloe is native to Cape Town and the south-western corner of the Western Cape, South Africa.
Socotran Aloe displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Socotran Aloe produces the flowers of aloe succotrina are tubular in shape and come in shades of coral-orange..
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Socotran Aloe?
Aloe succotrina 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 Socotran Aloe Need?
Socotran Aloe thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Socotran Aloe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Socotran Aloe Prefer?
Aloe succotrina grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Socotran Aloe prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Socotran Aloe?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Socotran Aloe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Socotran Aloe?
Feed Socotran 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 Socotran Aloe?
Repot Aloe succotrina every 2-3 years in a well-draining soil mix during the spring months.. 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 Socotran Aloe?
Socotran 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 Socotran 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 Socotran Aloe?
Socotran 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 Socotran Aloe Need?
Socotran Aloe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Socotran Aloe is native to Cape Town and the south-western corner of the Western Cape, South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Socotran Aloe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Socotran 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.
Socotran 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 succotrina Lam., family Asphodelaceae (first published in Encycl. [J. Lamarck & al.] 1(1): 85. 1783 [2 Dec 1783]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Socotran 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: linkie, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 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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