Incredibly popular among enthusiasts, the Aloe distans are a surefire way to add long-lasting color to your garden.
Learn how to properly care for an Aloe distans plant to keep it looking its best year-round.
in this article:
About Aloe distans
If you’re looking for an Aloe that is as beautiful as it is friendly, you’ve found it. Aloe distans, or Jewel Aloe, is a native of South Africa that grows in rosettes and produces beautiful blue-green leaves that change to reddish-purple in direct sunlight.
The edges of the leaves are lined with soft, bright white teeth that give the plant its name: Jewel Aloe.
The plant grows in a spiral pattern, its rosettes stacking on top of each other, resulting in a small pagoda-shaped bush.
Related Article: Different types of Aloe succulents and common varieties
| Botanical Name | Aloe distans |
| Common Name | Jewel Aloe |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Width | 1-2 feet |
| Light | Full sun, Light shade |
| Bloom season | Spring |
| Bloom color | Yellow, Red |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Deer, Drought |
| Toxicity | non-toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 9-11 |
Aloe distans Care
The Jewel Aloe is a straightforward plant to care for and requires little maintenance. Beginners and experts alike can enjoy having this succulent brighten up their space with little effort.
Light
Provide full sun or light shade conditions for the best results. A south-facing window is ideal in most cases. Outdoors, these plants can easily be grown under direct or dappled sunlight.
Soil
Well-drained soil is best for your Aloe. A soil with inorganic matter and low water retention will be the best option.
Water
The Jewel Aloe is a very drought-tolerant plant. However, it will not thrive in the absence of water. If the soil is dry, it needs to be watered. You should aim for about two sessions per week or more, depending on how quickly your soil dries out.
Temperature and Humidity
The Jewel Aloe is a very adaptable plant. It will thrive in most conditions. However, it does prefer temperatures of around 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
You should keep humidity between 40% and 60%.
Fertilizer
Aloe distans are slow-growing plants and do not require much fertilizer. However, if desired, it should be fertilized once every two months with a balanced fertilizer at half strength.
Pruning
Aloe distans is a relatively small plant in stature and doesn’t require much pruning to maintain its small size. In most cases, these plants remain naturally confined to a small space.
However, Jewel Aloe plants are notorious for their frequent suckers, and you may need to cut away some unnecessary offsets to keep the plant looking neat and clean. Also an excellent opportunity for propagation.
Potting and Repotting Aloe distans
Aloe distans is a relatively easy plant to repot and can be done whenever needed. However, the best time for repotting is during the spring when new growth is emerging but before flower buds form on the plant.
Plenty of time to get your new pot ready and acclimate your Aloe distans to its new home.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Gently remove the Aloe from its container by pulling on one of its leaves while supporting the root ball with your other hand.
- If there is any dirt on the roots, use a wet paper towel to clean them off before placing them in your new pot.
- Fill the new pot with soil and then place the plant into it. Push down on the soil around it so that there are no air pockets between it and the plant’s roots.
- Water the plant well, then place it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
Propagating Aloe distans by Offsets (Step-by-Step)
While there are other methods, since the Jewel Aloe offsets so frequently, propagation by suckers is the preferred method. To propagate by this method:
- Select a healthy plant with many offsets.
- Cut off the offset and remove any dead or damaged leaves from it.
- Allow the offset some time to heal.
- Place the offset into a pot with soil and water well.
- Wait for roots to grow and the plant to become established.
Blooms
The blooms are bright yellow or red tubular flowers that bloom in spring. They appear in a profusion above the foliage, making for an incredible display.
Related: Aloe Broomii (Snake Aloe) Care Guide
Toxicity
Aloe distans have no toxic effects reported. It is safe for humans and pets. However, it’s best to avoid consuming the plant as it is not edible.
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 a common pest of aloe plants. To control mealybugs, apply a systemic insecticide to the soil and water well. This will prevent its spread to other plants in your garden.
Scale Insects
These small insects are another common pest of aloe plants. They feed on the sap and cause damage by sucking it from the plant. To control scale insects, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the leaves and stems.
Aphids
Aphids are pear-shaped insects that feed on sap from the leaves and stems of your plant. To control aphids, spray with neem oil or use rubbing alcohol.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
