Photo: i_c_riddellCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Tree aloe Plant Care
Aloidendron barberae (Dyer) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This tree-like succulent is known for its thick, grey-green leaves arranged in a rosette at the top of a tall, slender trunk. Originally from South Africa, Aloidendron barberae is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking silhouette and ability to thrive in arid environments.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Tree aloe?
Water Tree aloe every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Tree aloe Native To?
What Is the Tree aloe?
Tree aloe (Aloidendron barberae) belongs to the Asphodelaceae family within the Aloidendron genus. Tree aloe is native to South Africa northwards to Mozambique. Tree aloe is also known as Barbados aloe.
Tree aloe displays a rosette-forming succulent growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Tree aloe produces tall spikes of tubular orange or red flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tree aloe?
Aloidendron barberae 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 Tree aloe Need?
Tree aloe thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tree aloe Prefer?
Aloidendron barberae grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Tree aloe prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tree aloe?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with added perlite and gravel. Good drainage is essential for Tree aloe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tree aloe?
Feed Tree aloe every 8 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 8 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 Tree aloe?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. 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 Tree aloe?
Tree aloe can be propagated through offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tree aloe plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tree aloe Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Tree aloe?
Tree 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 Tree aloe Need?
Tree aloe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Tree aloe is native to South Africa northwards to Mozambique. In cooler regions, grow Tree aloe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Tree 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 Aloidendron genus — compare its care with other Aloidendron species on PlantoScan.
Aloidendron is part of the Asphodelaceae plant family — browse all Asphodelaceae genera and species.
Tree aloe thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aloidendron barberae (Dyer) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm., family Asphodelaceae (first published in Phytotaxa 76: 9 (2013)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Tree 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: i_c_riddell, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a – 11b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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