HOW TO GROW ALOES

Aloes include a wide range of succulent plants that are found growing naturally mainly in Africa and Madagascar. Some 125 different species are indigenous to South Africa, whilst numerous garden hybrids have been bred to ensure superior garden performance. Their range in terms of plant size, shape, texture and flowers is enormous and growing continuously as more hybrids are introduced. The colourful flowers are rich in nectar and attract copious amounts of birds and insects 

to the garden whilst in bloom. Aloes are drought hardy and easy to grow in most climates.

Some are far more frost or cold tolerant than others. Select wisely for planting in colder climates. The same applies to areas with high summer rainfall; not all aloes can withstand these wet conditions. Again, choose hybrids and species that can endure these growing conditions.

PLANTING PROCEDURE

  • Prepare the soil by digging over deeply to depth of 500mm.
  • Leave any stones, rocks or builder’s rubble buried in the soil to assist with drainage.
  • River sand helps to improve drainage in clay soils.
  • Add a layer of compost to the top of the prepared soil, along with bone meal at the recommended rate and dig in well.
  • Rake soil to the correct contours and levels.
  • Place rocks, driftwood or pavers in strategic positions before planting.
  • Commence planting with the largest feature plants, then fill in around them with smaller aloes or other companion plants like succulents.
  • Dig holes large enough to accommodate the root ball of each individual aloe.
  • Place the aloe in the planting hole at right depth and make sure that the plant is facing the correct way.
  • Fill in around the root ball and trample down the soil around the plant.
  • Level out the soil around the plant and then proceed with the next aloe.
  • Once planting is complete water well to settle the plants in.

FERTILISING AND CARE

  • Tall aloes need to be staked to prevent wind damage whilst they are establishing in the garden.
  • Mulch the surface of the aloe garden with small rocks, pebbles or gravel to create a neat and tidy finish.
  • Apply granular fertiliser in spring and again in summer (3:1:5 slow release nitrogen is suitable).
  • Shrubby and climbing aloes may need to be pruned if they get too large and start overwhelming surrounding plants.
  • Water aloes that are growing in pots under the roof overhang every 2 to 3 weeks as they usually miss out on rainfall.
  • Most aloes take care of themselves, but benefit from supplementary watering during dry periods.

PESTS AND DISEASES

Aloes have a number of pests and diseases that need to be identified and controlled with suitable pesticides:

  • White scale – tiny insects that are found in rows on the leaf surfaces.  Treat with suitable insecticide.
  • Aloe rust is a fungus that causes ugly black spots on the upper and under surface of the leaves.  Treat with fungicide.
  • Snout beetles tunnel into the crown of the aloe to lay eggs which hatch as white larvae that eat the inside of the plant, causing it to collapse.  Treat with a systemic insecticide.
  • Aloe cancer or galls distort both leaf and flower bud growth. This is caused by an infestation of aloe mites which live in the plant tissue and on the leaf surface.  Treat with suitable miticides and insecticides or a combination of both. Cut off infected parts of the plant and burn.

GARDEN USES

  • Splendid in aloe gardens or mixed with other succulents
  • Superb in rock gardens or on hot dry banks
  • Many species are important in indigenous only landscapes
  • Excellent feature plants especially those with a statuesque shape
  • Good specimen plants in pots and containers, both large and small
  • Combine well with cycads or proteas, interspersed with ornamental grass

SUMMARY

  1. Aloes make a splendid display during winter when many plants are dormant
  2. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil
  3. Prepare the planting area correctly to ensure optimum drainage
  4. Check for pests and diseases and treat immediately upon detection
  5. Select plants wisely according to size, performance and cold hardiness

SHOPPING LIST

  • Tools for digging and preparing soil for planting.
  • Compost and bone meal for enriching the soil.
  • Rocks and pavers for hard landscaping.
  • A range of healthy aloe plants.
  • Decorative gravel or pebbles for surface mulch.
  • Hose pipe or watering can.

DISCLAIMER:  The information presented on this website is intended solely as a general guide. We neither endorse specific plant varieties over others nor claim expertise in stock performance. All information is believed to be accurate, based on private inquiries and experiences, and is provided in good faith. Blackwood’s, including its employees, disclaims any responsibility for harm, loss, cost, or damage arising from the use or reliance upon any information on this website, especially if any part of the information proves to be inaccurate or incomplete. Please note that the displayed photos are not representative of current stock but are used for illustrative purposes only.