Aloe haworthioides aka White Spiked Aloe

Aloe haworthioides is a small evergreen succulent from Madagascar. It belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. Its native range includes the mountains of central Madagascar. There, it grows in quartz rock cracks and plant cushions. These cushions hold humus that dries out during the dry season. The species lives in desert or dry shrubland habitats.

This stemless plant forms clumps of small, tight leaf rosettes. Each rosette spans about 0.10–0.16 feet [0.03–0.05 metres]. The fleshy leaves are narrow, pointed, and dark green. They reach about 0.13 feet [0.04 metres] long. Small white bumps mark their surfaces. Soft white spines give the leaf edges a hairy look. Each leaf also has a spine at its tip. Plants reach about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] tall in pots. The RHS gives a spread of 0.33–1.64 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Sources differ on growth speed, calling it either fast-growing or slow-clumping.

Flower stems rise above the low leaves in late summer. Bloom can continue into autumn. These stems reach about 0.98 feet [0.3 metres] tall. They carry clusters of small, tube-shaped flowers. The blooms may be orange or pale pink and have scent. Their filaments extend beyond the flower tubes. The flowers are modest beside the dense, white-spined leaves.

Grow this aloe in full sun with shelter. It suits a bright windowsill, conservatory, or greenhouse. Use peat-free cactus compost, or loam-based compost with added grit. The mix must drain well. Water moderately during growth, then give very little in winter. Feed monthly with a general liquid fertiliser from May through August. The RHS rates it H1C, for summer outdoor use only. Keep it free from frost; cold can cause root loss. It can stay in a small pot for years.

This species offers a compact plant for indoor succulent collections. It needs no pruning, and growers can raise it from offsets. Seed offers another route, with warmth helping germination. Sow fresh seed in a mix that drains well. The RHS lists few disease problems, but scale insects and mealybugs may attack. Check the leaves when caring for the plant. It is harmful if people or pets eat it. The RHS also advises gloves and protective gear when handling it.