Overview
Aloe officinalis is a clump forming cactus succulent in the genus Aloe, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Aloe officinalis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1C. Suggested uses include houseplants and sub-tropical.
About
Aloe officinalis is a species of aloe in the Asphodelaceae family. The species is native to the Arabian Peninsula, from Yemen to Saudi Arabia. The plant has become naturalized in Somalia and has medicinal value. The plant also has two varieties: Aloe officinalis var. angustifolia (Schweinf.) Lavranos Aloe officinalis var. officinalis. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs a warm, frost-free position in the UK (RHS H1c). Suggested uses include houseplants and sub-tropical. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aloe officinalis
About the genus
Aloe is a genus containing over 650 species of flowering succulent plants. The most widely known species is Aloe vera, or "true aloe". It is called this because it is cultivated as the standard source for assorted pharmaceutical purposes.
Wikipedia contributors, "Aloe", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aloe
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aloe
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
Aloe officinalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aloe officinalis
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown with heat as soon as ripe or from offsets
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aloe officinalis?
Aloe officinalis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aloe officinalis need?
Aloe officinalis grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Aloe officinalis hardy in the UK?
Aloe officinalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Aloe officinalis?
Propagate by seed sown with heat as soon as ripe or from offsets.