Aloe arborescens aka Candelabra Aloe

Taxonomy

Aloe arborescens, often known as Krantz Aloe or Candelabra Aloe, is a unique and beautiful species of succulent perennial plant within the Aloe genus. This species has thick green leaves that grow out of its stalk with white spikes along the edges. Its reddish-orange flower clusters bloom from the tops of these plants, and it is great for any garden for its stunning flowers and for attracting birds, bees, and butterflies. It is native to various countries of Southern Africa, and with great care and a lot of sunlight, you may even see your Aloe arborescens bloom! Aloe arborescens is a great, easy-to-grow addition to any garden.

Common names

Candelabra Aloe, Candelabra Plant, Octopus Plant

How to care for Candelabra Aloe

Difficulty

Candelabra Aloe is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Candelabra Aloe does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Candelabra Aloe is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Candelabra Aloe requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Candelabra Aloe will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Candelabra Aloe to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

Candelabra Aloe thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Candelabra Aloe is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Candelabra Aloe’s native range is Southern Africa to India.


More info:
Wikipedia