Photo: Jeremy GilmoreCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Fan Aloe Plant Care
Kumara plicatilis (L.) G.D.Rowley
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is easily identifiable by its tightly folded, accordion-like leaves that cascade down its stems. Hailing from South Africa, the Kumara plicatilis is a sought-after addition to any plant collector's garden due to its striking appearance and unusual growth pattern. With its architectural form and interesting foliage, this plant is sure to make a statement in any collection.
Every 10–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Fan Aloe?
Water Fan Aloe every 10–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Fan Aloe Native To?
What Is the Fan Aloe?
Fan Aloe (Kumara plicatilis) belongs to the Asphodelaceae family within the Kumara genus. Fan Aloe is native to a few mountains in the Fynbos ecoregion, of the Western Cape in South Africa. Fan Aloe is also known as Hottentot Fig.
Fan Aloe displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Fan Aloe produces small tubular flowers in clusters, various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fan Aloe?
Kumara plicatilis requires watering every 10–14 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 10–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fan Aloe Need?
Fan Aloe thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Fan Aloe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fan Aloe Prefer?
Kumara plicatilis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Fan Aloe prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fan Aloe?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Fan Aloe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fan Aloe?
Feed Fan 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 Fan Aloe?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Fan Aloe?
Fan Aloe can be propagated through offsets, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kumara haemanthifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fan Aloe Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fan Aloe, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Fan Aloe?
Fan Aloe is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, aphids. 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 Fan Aloe Need?
Fan Aloe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Fan Aloe is native to a few mountains in the Fynbos ecoregion, of the Western Cape in South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Fan Aloe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Fan 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 Kumara genus (family Asphodelaceae) — search all Kumara species in the plant lookup.
Fan 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: Kumara plicatilis (L.) G.D.Rowley, family Asphodelaceae (first published in Alsterworthia Int. , Special Issue 10: 3 (2013)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fan Aloe, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jeremy Gilmore, 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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