About
Aloe cameronii is a succulent characterized by elongated, arching leaves that feature sharp thorns, arranged in a compact rosette. Over time, it produces a network of offshoots. The leaves, initially speckled green, transform to a rich coppery red under intense sunlight and during periods of drought. When conditions become cooler or moisture is restored, the leaves will revert to green. In the autumn months, this plant produces tall flower spikes adorned with orange blooms, typically featuring one flower per rosette, although occasionally multiple flowers may emerge.
About the genus
Aloe consists of evergreen perennials that can grow as mat-forming or shrubby plants. They feature rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves and produce small tubular flowers arranged in racemes or panicles.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
- Toxicity
- Human/Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow indoors in a container of peat-free, cacti potting compost, or peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added horticultural grit. Water moderately when in growth, very sparingly when dormant in winter. Apply a general liquid fertiliser monthly from May to August. Can be placed outdoors in summer, see aloe cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate from seed or leaf cuttings or by separating plantlets from the base
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to mealybugs, red spider mite and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free