An in-depth guide on properly taking care of and growing Aloe maculata. The section on watering, lighting, and temperature help set the environment in which your plant can thrive.
You will also learn how to correctly pick a location to place your plant, what fertilizer to use, the right time to repot the plant, the right time to move it outdoors, and other essential factors.
in this article:
About Aloe maculata
Aloe maculata is a beautiful succulent that grows in rosettes, with distinctive sword-shaped leaves marked with white spots. The leaves are green with a white pattern, but they change color depending on the lighting conditions.
Soap Aloe doesn’t get too big, remaining of manageable height throughout its lifetime. It forms rosettes, which means its leaves are arranged around a central point instead of forming branches like other plants.
A hardy succulent, Aloe maculata handles frost like a champ. It will bounce back if kept in poor conditions (too cold) for too long.
Related Article: An in-depth guide on different types of Aloes
| Botanical Name | Aloe maculata |
| Common Name | Soap Aloe |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Width | 1-2 feet |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade |
| Bloom season | Winter, Spring |
| Bloom color | Coral Orange |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Deer, Drought, Salt |
| Toxicity | non-toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 8-12 |
Aloe maculata Care
Aloe maculata will survive anything you throw at it, but if you’re growing this Aloe and want to get the most out of it, here are some tips for success.
Light
Aloe maculata does best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. If you’re growing it indoors and have a sunny window, place your plant there.
Soil
Aloe maculata requires well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clay, consider amending it with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
This Aloe has no problem growing in a container but add rocks or gravel to the bottom of the pot, so its roots don’t sit in water.
Water
Soap Aloe thrives on neglect, but you want to be sure it doesn’t dry out completely; water once every two weeks or so.
Avoid overwatering to prevent any problems with root rot down the road.
Temperature and Humidity
Aloe maculata does best when temperatures are between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a minimum of 50 degrees. A south-facing window is ideal because it will receive the most amount of light and warmth.
Maintain average room humidity, and you should have no problems with your Aloe.
Fertilizer
Aloe maculata does not need to be fertilized, but it can benefit from a small amount of fertilizer once or twice a year. Choose a water-soluble formula to prevent burning the plant’s roots.
Pruning
Aloe maculata does not need to be pruned, but you can do so if desired. The best time is during the spring months when the plant is actively growing.
Remove dead leaves and stems at this time to promote healthy growth in the future.
Potting and Repotting Aloe maculata
Aloe maculata does not need to be repotted or moved. It can stay in the same pot for several years. If you want to change its location, choose a new pot that is slightly larger than the old one. Moving your Aloe too often can cause it stress and lead to sunburned spots on its leaves.
The best time to repot is at the beginning of spring when the plant is at its most vigorous.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the plant from its container. Use a sharp knife to cut away any dead or decaying roots.
- Place the plant in its new pot to sit at least one inch below the rim.
- Fill around the root ball with soil and pat firmly to remove air pockets.
- Water well and wait for the plant to become established.
Propagating Aloe maculata by Offsets (Step-by-Step)
Aloe maculata is a versatile aloe, able to propagate from seeds, offsets, and cuttings. Offsets are the most convenient method and offer the quickest results, which is why they are recommended.
Here’s what you do:
- Choose an offset that is at least one year old and has its own roots.
- Cut the offset from the mother plant with a sharp knife, ensuring not to damage any leaves or growth points.
- Allow the offset some time to callus over in preparation for planting.
- Plant the offset in a well-draining soil mixture, such as coarse sand and perlite.
- Water the plant thoroughly after planting and allow it to dry out between watering.
- In about six weeks, new leaves will begin to grow from around the base of the offset.
Blooms
Soap Aloe produces orange to red tubular flowers on a stalk from winter to spring. You’ll want to keep an eye out for these blooms because they’re one of the main reasons this plant is so sought after by gardeners!
If given the proper care, these blooms can appear year-round.
Toxicity
Aloe maculata is non-toxic. In fact, the gel from the leaves can be used as soap to wash off dirt from the naked skin. So it is completely safe to have grown around the house.
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
They’re so small you may not even notice them at first, but once you look closely, you’ll see tiny white spots on the leaves or stems. These pests suck sap from plants and can completely destroy them if left untreated. Some gardeners prefer manually removing mealybugs by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Scale Insects
These tiny pests are usually brown or black and look like small and round shells stuck to the plant’s surface. They suck sap from plants and can cause leaves to turn yellow or drop off. Control them by spraying with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil in early spring before they have time to multiply.
Aphids
These sap-sucking insects can be green, black, or red and are usually found on the underside of leaves. Unfortunately, they can also live in cracks in tree bark or even inside stems! Spray with a strong jet of water to knock them off your plants, and then use an insecticidal soap spray for further control.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy