About

Aloe squarrosa is a low-growing, evergreen succulent that reaches a height of approximately 30 cm. It features short stems that support lanceolate leaves, which are prominently recurved and have distinct toothed edges, displaying a mid-green hue with white speckles. In the summer, it produces unbranched flower stems that can grow up to 25 cm long, each bearing tubular red flowers.

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

H1B

Plant details

Plant type

Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse

Habit

Spreading branched

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Houseplants

Native to

Socotra

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 by seed as soon as ripe, or propagate by separating offsets in spring or early summer. Root offsets in cactus potting compost

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free