Aloe arborescens aka Candelabra Aloe

Aloe arborescens is also called candelabra aloe. This shrub keeps its leaves all year. It is a succulent, with fleshy leaves. It belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. It comes from southern Africa. Its range includes South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. It also includes Malawi and Botswana. It grows among rocks in mountain grassland and open forests. It grows in forests near the coast too. Some wild sites get heavy rain, despite its fleshy leaves.

Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres] tall. They spread about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] wide. Some accounts report a height of 16 feet [5 metres]. Stems branch near the base and again higher up. Each branch ends in a rosette, a ring of leaves. These leaves are long and curved. They range from dull green to blue-green or grey-green. Small, pale teeth line their edges. Old leaves can stay below the live rosettes. Plants on rock faces may have fewer branches.

Upright flower clusters, called racemes, rise above the leaves. Each flower forms a narrow tube, often red or orange-red. Chicago Botanic Garden also reports yellow flowers for this species. Bloom dates differ between sources and sites. RHS lists late winter through spring. Other accounts give autumn and early winter. Nectar in the flowers draws birds, bees, and butterflies. Useful Tropical Plants says sunbirds and bees pollinate the flowers. Tall flower stalks bring winter colour to borders.

Give this aloe full sun and soil that drains well. Chicago Botanic Garden says part shade also suits it. For pots, RHS advises gritty compost with no peat. Give modest amounts of water while it grows. Give very little in winter. RHS says to feed each month from May through August. Its UK rating is H1B. This calls for indoor shelter in winter. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 9–11. In Britain, plants can spend summer outdoors in a sheltered spot. RHS reports few problems with disease. Scale insects and mealybugs can still attack. The plant needs no routine pruning.

Gardeners grow it as a specimen or in borders. They also use it as a living fence. Dense growth suits hedges around homes and livestock. People grow it for skin medicines and purgatives, which clear the bowels. PFAF lists leaves and leafy stems as foods in Japan. It also says people consume the sweet flower nectar. These uses do not prove that eating the plant is safe. RHS warns that eating it can harm people and dogs. Its warning also covers cats and rabbits. RHS advises gloves and protective gear when handling the plant.