Aloe ‘Blue Elf’: Growing and Care Guide

Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for succulent plant, but it requires careful attention to detail to keep it thriving.

Here we will discuss what you need to do to grow Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ at home and the proper steps in caring for and maintaining the plant so that it continues to be healthy for years to come.

About Aloe ‘Blue Elf’

Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ is a dwarf, succulent plant that’s an excellent choice for beginners. It has beautiful blue-green leaves edged with sharp teeth along the margins. The succulent leaves form a small rosette, about 18 inches tall and about 24 inches wide.

The plant has a clumping habit and can serve as a ground cover if planted appropriately.

The Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ blooms from winter to early spring, producing red and orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. The flowers last for a long time, adding interest and drama to the garden.

Botanical Name	Aloe ‘Blue Elf’
Common Name	Aloe Blue Elf
Family	Asphodelaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Origin	Garden Origin
Maintenance	Low
Height	1-2 feet
Width	1-2 feet
Light	Full sun, Partial shade
Bloom season	Winter, Spring
Bloom color	Orange, Red
Water needs	Low
Soil	Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
Tolerant	Deer, Drought, Salt
Toxicity	Non-toxic
Hardiness (USDA)	9-11

Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ Care

The Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ is an easy-care succulent that thrives on neglect and can survive in low light conditions. It makes an excellent indoor plant or addition to any patio container garden.

Light

The Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ requires bright, indirect light. It will tolerate low light conditions but will not flower as prolifically or produce as much growth.

Soil

The Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ requires well-drained soil. It will not tolerate standing water.

Adding inorganic materials like coarse sand or perlite will help improve the drainage of your soil.

Water

It requires little water once established, but it will benefit from a thorough watering every couple of weeks in summer.

In winter, when the Aloe goes dormant and stops producing new leaves, only water when the soil is bone dry. This gives the plant a good soaking and replenishes its reserves.

Temperature and Humidity

This Aloe prefers warm temperatures but will tolerate a wide range of conditions. Temperatures around 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for most Aloes, including the Blue Elf Aloe.

This Aloe can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9 through 11 and indoors in cooler climates.

Fertilizer

Aloes don’t need much feed and should be fertilized only during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Slow-release fertilizers are best, so they don’t shock the plant’s system.

Pruning

You’ll only need to prune spent flower stalks after they’re done flowering. You might also need to prune away the dead or dying leaves that cause stress to the plant but those are rare.

If left to their own devices, the Aloe Blue Elf plants will form a tight clump of multiple rosettes. You might want to remove the tertiary rosettes with sharp pruning shears to keep the plant looking its best.

Hint: This is also an excellent chance to propagate using the secondary rosettes!

Potting and Repotting Aloe ‘Blue Elf’

The Blue Elf Aloe should be repotted every two years or when its roots begin to peep through the drainage holes in the bottom of its pot.

It’s best to repot the Aloe into a larger pot than its current one.

Try to only repot during the spring or summer, as that’s when the plant is undergoing its growth phase and recovers quickly.

Prepare

How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

1. Remove the plant from its old pot. Gently tease it out, taking care not to damage any roots.
2. Separate the plant’s roots with your hands and remove any debris.
3. Place the plant into its new pot, so it sits at the same depth as it did in its old pot.
4. Fill in around the base of your plant with soil until it’s level with the top of its leaves.
5. Water well to settle the soil and drain it for about 30 minutes before placing it back outside.

Propagating Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ by Division (Step-by-Step)

The Blue Elf Aloe has a clumping habit and forms multiple rosettes of succulent leaves along with the main rosette. Therefore, it is extremely easy to propagate using these rosettes.

1. Choose a rosette that has formed on the mother plant. This cutting can be any size as long as it is healthy and not damaged in any way.
2. Remove this rosette from the mother plant by gently twisting it free with your fingers or a small pair of clippers.
3. Set aside the rosette and allow it to dry for several hours or overnight. This will help prevent any infection from starting on the leaves of your new plant.
4. Plant your rosette in a pot with very well-draining soil. It is best to use a cactus and succulent soil mix or a similar product.
5. Allow it to sit in a bright location for several weeks until new growth appears.

Blooms

The Blue Elf Aloe blooms with orange-red tubular flowers on a small flowering spike from early spring to early winter. The flowers are long-lasting and add interest to the plant by introducing new colors to the green undertone. Hummingbirds are also attracted to the nectar within.

Toxicity

Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ is considered non-toxic. It is not known to be harmful to humans or pets.

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 often attack aloe plants. If you notice white cottony filaments, these are a sign of these pests. Treat with neem oil or horticultural oil to be rid of the problem.

Scale Insects

Scale insects are another common pests that attack aloe plants. These pests look like small, indistinct bumps on the plant and may have a distinct color or pattern. You can treat these with neem oil or horticultural oil as well.

Aphids

Aphids are another common pest that attacks aloe plants. These tiny insects appear as small, soft-bodied bugs that can be green, yellow, or black. They suck the sap from the Aloe leaves and cause irreparable damage. You’ll notice a sticky substance on your plant if this occurs.

Common Problems

FAQ