Botanical name
Aloe vera
Other names
Aloe barbadensis, Aloe perfoliata, Barbados aloe, Bitter aloes, Curaçao aloe
Genus
Aloe
Species
A. vera – A. vera is an upright evergreen perennial forming dull green leaves with spiny margins, and tall spikes of tubular greenish-yellow flowers in summer.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Multi-stemmed palm, cycad or tree
Toxicity
Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Green, Yellow in Summer
Foliage
Green, Silvery-grey in All seasons
HOW TO CARE
Watch out for
Specific pests
Mealybugs , Scale insects
Diseases
Vulnerable to chlorosis resulting from magnesium deficiency.
General care
Propagation methods
Offsets, Seed
Aloe vera (Barbados aloe) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.6m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Flower Arranging, Indoor, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow under glass in loam-based compost with extra grit added, in bright, filtered light. Water moderately when in growth and feed a few times with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
