Medicinal Aloe – Desert Horizon Nursery

Medicinal Aloe

Aloe vera
Categories:
Cacti & Succulents  ·  
Aloe
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly. Water sparingly in winter, and avoid keeping the crown wet.
Size
1-2 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Habit
Clustering succulent
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets & Livestock
Description
A clumping succulent with thick, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves edged with small teeth. Its leaves contain the clear gel commonly used in topical skin-care products.
Bloom Time
Late winter to spring
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Attracts Hummingbirds, Drought Tolerant, Toxic (see detail)
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Clustering succulent
Mature Size
1-2 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Flower Color
Yellow
Foliage Color
Gray-green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape
Garden Style
Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife
Soil
Amended / Rich, Sandy / Rocky
Companion Plants
Elephant bush, Golden barrel cactus, Little leaf cordia, Red yucca
Toxic — Pets & Livestock
Toxic to dogs, cats and horses if ingested; clear leaf gel is for topical use only
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix; protect from intense western sun and reflected heat.

Water: Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly. Water sparingly in winter, and avoid keeping the crown wet.

Soil: Excellent drainage is essential; use sandy or gravelly soil or a cactus mix amended with pumice. Avoid heavy, poorly drained clay.

Mature size: 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide per rosette; spreading colonies grow wider. Flower stalks reach approximately 2–3 feet tall.

Bloom: Mature plants typically bloom in late winter through spring; flowering varies with light and growing conditions.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; frost tender.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate, depending on warmth, water, and light.