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.
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.
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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 Name | Aloe arborescens |
| Common Name | Torch Aloe, Krantz Aloe, Candelabra Aloe |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 6-10 feet |
| Width | 6-10 feet |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom season | Winter |
| Bloom color | Orange, red |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Deer, Drought, Salt |
| Toxicity | non-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.
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
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Carefully remove the Aloe from its current container using pruners or a knife and work gloves to protect your hands.
- Use your trowel or small shovel to scrape away any remaining soil from around the roots.
- Fill the container with the well-draining potting mix and create a hole in the middle.
- Gently place the root ball in the hole and fill around the roots with more soil to secure the plant.
- 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:
- 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.
- Plant offsets into well-draining soil, ensuring enough space between each one.
- Water regularly until established.
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.
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
