About

Aristaloe aristata is a perennial plant that maintains its foliage year-round, reaching heights of up to 20 cm. It produces rosettes of thick, lanceolate leaves, which are adorned with white spots and end in a delicate white spine. In autumn, this species displays tubular flowers that are approximately 4 cm long, arranged in panicles that can extend up to 50 cm.

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, Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
Native to
S Africa, Lesotho
Toxicity
Ingestion may cause severe discomfort. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling

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