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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Aloe Arborescens (Torch Aloe): Growing and Care Guide

    Aloe Arborescens (Torch Aloe): Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonNovember 6, 2022
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    The Aloe arborescens is not only an eye-catching succulent, but it is also effortless to care for. However, it requires proper sunlight, soil, and water conditions in order to grow into a picturesque specimen.

    Aloe Arborescens (Torch Aloe) Leaves
    Aloe Arborescens (Torch Aloe) leaves (“Aloès arborescent, Aloe arborescens, Aloéacées” by olive.titus is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.)

    This guide will help you keep your Torch Aloe plant healthy and beautiful. Also included are tips on what problems to look out for and how to fix them.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Aloe arborescens

    Aloe arborescens, or Torch Aloe, is a mid-sized sub-shrub succulent plant with an upright stem and multiple rosettes of green leaves. It is native to South Africa and has been cultivated there for centuries. Its common name comes from the fact that its red flowers are arranged in a manner similar to torches.

    This aloe features mid-green leaves serrated around the edges. The leaves tinge red near the tip, complementing its red flowers quite nicely when they appear.

    Related Article: An in-depth guide on different types of Aloes

    It flowers in winter, adding interest to the garden in the otherwise drab season. Orange-red flowers appear on unbranching stalks that rise from the center of each rosette. The stalks are usually solitary.

    A fully mature specimen of this species grows to be about 6 to 10 feet tall. It is extremely fire retardant, making it an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor use.

    Botanical NameAloe arborescens 
    Common NameTorch Aloe, Krantz Aloe, Candelabra Aloe
    FamilyAsphodelaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginSouth Africa
    MaintenanceLow
    Height6-10 feet
    Width6-10 feet
    LightFull sun
    Bloom seasonWinter
    Bloom colorOrange, red
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought, Salt
    Toxicitynon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)9-11

    Aloe arborescens Care

    The Torch Aloe is a tough plant that will do well in most conditions. However, it does require some care to grow properly.

    Light

    Aloe arborescens is a sun-loving plant that does best in bright, direct sunlight. Therefore, a south-facing window is a great place for this Aloe to grow. If grown under intense sunlight, the color of the tips of the leaves turns red, adding an additional layer of beauty to the plant.

    However, if your Aloe is not getting enough light, its leaves will appear pale and leggy.

    Soil

    This aloe requires well-draining soil that is made up of equal parts peat moss, potting soil, and sand. This will allow for proper drainage and aeration of the roots.

    Water

    The Aloe must be watered thoroughly but infrequently, especially in temperate climates. Water your Aloe when the top two inches of soil begin to dry out.

    This can be done by watering deeply until the water starts to seep out the drainage holes. However, keep in mind the water needs to drain quickly after a watering session. A wet Aloe is a dead Aloe.

    Temperature and Humidity

    The Krantz Aloe is native to the arid regions of South Africa. As such, it has adapted well to dry conditions and thrives in them. The Torch Aloe does best when temperatures are between 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit with low humidity levels.

    Fertilizer

    While the Krantz Aloe does not need a lot of fertilizer, it does need some. Use a slow-release balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice yearly around spring to ensure that your Aloe gets all the nutrients it needs to grow healthy and strong.

    Aloe Arborescens Cheat Sheet
    Aloe arborescens cheat sheet (author paisan579 via depositphotos)

    Pruning

    This aloe is a slow-growing plant that does not require much pruning. However, it does benefit from being trimmed back once or twice per year. This will ensure that your Krantz Aloe remains healthy and strong and keeps it from getting too big for its pot.

    Potting and Repotting Aloe arborescens

    Grow your Candelabra Aloe in a wide, shallow pot with drainage holes. These Aloes tend to grow quite large and can get unwieldy in their pot if not cared for correctly.

    Use spring as the time for repotting as a plant undergoing its growth phase recovers quicker from any damage to its roots.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. Clay/terracotta pots with drainage holes work best.
    • Prepare the soil. Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix.
    • Choose the spot. A sunny location is best, but Candelabra Aloes will tolerate some shade. 
    • Gather the tools. A good pair of pruners, a trowel or small shovel, and some gloves. 

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Carefully remove the Aloe from its current container using pruners or a knife and work gloves to protect your hands. 
    2. Use your trowel or small shovel to scrape away any remaining soil from around the roots. 
    3. Fill the container with the well-draining potting mix and create a hole in the middle.
    4. Gently place the root ball in the hole and fill around the roots with more soil to secure the plant.
    5. Wait a week to water, giving the plant a chance to settle into its new home.

    Propagating Aloe arborescens by Suckers (Pups) (Step-by-Step)

    Aloe arborescens are extremely easy to propagate. You can reproduce using cuttings, seeds, or pups (offshoots). But, while seeds and cuttings do work, they take longer to mature than offsets and have a higher chance of failure. Therefore, it is generally recommended to opt for the safer option and go for offsets instead.

    The process is relatively simple:

    1. Remove offsets from the parent plant with a sharp knife and leave them in a dry area for a couple of days (to a week) or until they have calloused over.
    2. Plant offsets into well-draining soil, ensuring enough space between each one.
    3. Water regularly until established.

    Related: Aloe ‘Blue Elf’: Growing and Care Guide

    Blooms

    Aloe arborescens blooms are legendary. They are a sight to behold, with their upright flower stalk that looks like someone holding a lit candelabra.

    The flowers are red in color and arranged in an upside-down cone-like structure atop tall inflorescences. They appear in the winter.

    Aloe Arborescens Blooms
    Aloe Arborescens blooms (“Torch Aloe, Tree Aloe, Mountain Bush Aloe, Krantz Aloe Aloe arborescens” by Stephen Michael Barnett is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    Toxicity

    Aloe arborescens are considered non-toxic. In fact, the sap is used for medicinal purposes. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

    NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

    Common Pests

    Mealybugs

    Mealybugs are often seen infecting Aloe arborescens. These pests are easy to spot as they look like white powder that has been dusted onto the leaves and stems. They feed on sap and can cause plants to dehydrate if not treated quickly.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are another common pest that attacks Aloe arborescens. These tiny insects can be identified by their hard, brown, or gray shell-like covering. They also appear as small round bumps on leaves and stems. In addition, they secrete honeydew, attracting ants and compounding the problem.

    Aphids

    Aphids are another common pest that feast on the Krantz Aloe. These tiny insects can be identified by their pear-shaped body, two antennae, and their ability to move quickly. They feed on sap as well.

    You can generally treat all these pests by spraying the affected area with neem oil or using rubbing alcohol.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Sunburn: Exposure to direct sunlight can cause sunburn on Aloe arborescens. If you notice dark spots on the leaves, this is a sign of sunburn. Slowly move the plant away from direct sunlight until the spots fade.
    • Overfertilization: Overfertilization can cause Aloe arborescens to develop nutrient burn. This is a common issue with aloe plants and is easily avoided by following the directions on your fertilizer package.
    • Overwatering: This Aloe can be susceptible to overwatering. When they are growing in pots, make sure that the soil is dry before watering again. If you notice leaves drooping and falling off, this is a sign you might be overwatering. Check the roots for rot to make sure.

    Aloe Arborescens (Torch Aloe) – Best Care Tips (Video)

    FAQ

    No, Aloe arborescens are not the same as aloe vera. It is a different species of Aloe and has different uses than its cousin. However, both Aloes have a variety of medicinal uses and are incredibly useful.

    Aloe arborescens is a great plant to have around. It has many uses and benefits, including healing sunburns, soothing burns and cuts, and preventing infection in minor wounds.

    Yes, Aloe arborescens are good for hair. You can use it to moisturize and condition your hair, especially if it is damaged or dry.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
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    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

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