Aloe aristata variety montana

Aloe ellenbergeri, Aloe longiaristata

Lace Aloe, Torch Plant

Aloaceae

Native to Lesotho and South Africa (Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal).

1 gallon

8-10"

12"

20 to 25°F, -6.7 to -3.9°C

Very high heat tolerance

Light shade to full sun along the coastal/cloudy areas

Very drought tolerant, but looks best with additional water in dry periods.

Remove spent flowers and dead leaves as desired. Pups can also be removed and replanted to spread plants.

This plant works nicely in succulent and cactus gardens, xeriscape plantings, dry borders and rock gardens. It can be kept in pots too, provided the soil drains well. The white-dot striped foliage contrasts nicely with the foliage of other succulents.

This plant is easily propagated by separating offsets or rooted stems. You can also collect and sow seeds.

Poor drainage and overly wet soil in winter can rot roots and stems. This aloe needs excellent drainage.

This is a small attractive aloe that resembles a giant Haworthia (to which recent genetic tests confirm it is closely related). It forms a clump of medium sized, stemless rosettes of succulent green leaves which are covered in small white tuberculate dots. This plant will curl up and turn reddish purple if water and cold stressed. However, it is an easy aloe to grow and a nice plant for beginning collectors. It flowers in fall and winter with a 20" raceme of 20 to 30 pretty dull-red to pinkish orange 1.5" tubular shaped flowers. The Pondo people mix the juice of Lace Aloe with water to wash their bodies. It has a tonic and refreshing effect. The species name 'aristata' means 'awned' and refers to the shape of the leaves.