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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Aloe Vaombe (Malagasy Tree Aloe): Growing And Care Guide

    Aloe Vaombe (Malagasy Tree Aloe): Growing And Care Guide

    By Milo MasonOctober 25, 2022
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    The Aloe vaombe plant is an incredible addition to any space, particularly if you’re looking for a burst of color in winter gardens.

    Aloe Vaombe
    Aloe vaombe (“20140112_KokoCraterBG_AloeVaombe_Cutler_P1620959” by wlcutler is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    As with any other houseplant, proper care and maintenance are required to ensure the health and beauty of these plants. This guide will help you properly grow and care for your Malagasy Tree Aloe to maintain healthy growth while also enjoying the benefits of this plant.

    in this article:

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

    About Aloe vaombe

    The Malagasy Tree Aloe, botanically known as Aloe vaombe, is a large aloe species from Madagascar. It grows as a semi-hardy evergreen tree or shrub with relatively smooth, dark green foliage. Its leaves are more than 3 feet long at maturity.

    Dark green in color, the leaves can easily change their tone under direct sunlight or when exposed to cold weather. In winter especially, the Aloe vaombe makes for an eye-catching display.

    In addition to having gorgeous foliage, the flowers are also nothing to sneeze at. Multiple inflorescences bearing clumps of scarlet red flowers emerge in the winter.

    Related Article: Learn about different types of Aloe succulents and common varieties

    Botanical NameAloe vaombe
    Common NameMalagasy Tree Aloe
    FamilyAsphodelaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginMadagascar
    MaintenanceLow
    Height8-12 feet
    Width4-5 feet
    LightFull sun
    Bloom seasonWinter
    Bloom colorRed
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought
    Toxicitynon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)9-11

    Aloe vaombe Care

    Caring for this Aloe is easy and requires minimal effort. Aloe vaombe is a very adaptable species that will grow in different lighting and soil conditions. The gardener needs only to take care of the basics for this plant to thrive.

    Light

    The Aloe vaombe will grow in full sun or partial shade. It changes the color of its leaves to a deep red when exposed to direct sunlight, which makes it a good choice of Aloe for those who want to add some color to their landscape.

    Soil

    Aloe vaombe is a very adaptable species and will grow in any well-drained soil. You can even repurpose existing soil mixes to suit your needs. Just amend them with coarse sand, perlite, and pumice to promote better drainage.

    Water

    The Malagasy Tree Aloe is drought-tolerant and will do well with only occasional watering. It also requires very little water once it has established itself in your landscape.

    Avoid overwatering your plant, as this can lead to root rot and other health problems.

    Temperature and Humidity

    The Malagasy Tree Aloe prefers warm, dry temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate cooler or warmer temperatures but will not thrive in extremes.

    Occasional cold snaps are not a problem if the plant is kept dry during nighttime. Well-draining soil is essential for this purpose.

    Fertilizer

    Aloe vaombe requires very little fertilizer. However, a general-purpose balanced houseplant fertilizer applied every two months will provide the plant with adequate nutrients for healthy growth. If you don’t want to buy fertilizer, you don’t have to; these plants grow fine without extra help.

    Only fertilize during the growing season to avoid any problems down the road.

    Aloe Vaombe Cheat Sheet
    Aloe vaombe cheat sheet (“Aloe vaombe_20140112_KokoCraterBG_Cutler_P1620958” by wlcutler is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    Pruning

    The plant should be pruned once a year in early spring. Use sharp shears or pruning clippers to cut away dead leaves and stems.

    Make sure not to cut into the live growth, as any damage to live leaves is hard to recover from.

    Potting and Repotting Malagasy Tree Aloe

    Aloe vaombe can be repotted to keep the soil fresh and aerated. The best time to do this is in spring or summer when the Aloe is actively growing. You can place the pot in a larger pot if you want to grow the plant in a larger container.

    Only repot if you’re confident the Aloe has outgrown its container.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. You’ll need a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and is not made of plastic.
    • Prepare the soil. The soil should be lightweight, porous, and well-draining. Use a mix of equal parts of loam, leaf mold, and sand. The pH should be neutral (7) or slightly acidic.
    • Choose the spot. Place the pot somewhere it receives bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight and temperatures that are too high or low.
    • Gather the tools. You’ll need a sharp knife or razor blade, gardening gloves, and potting mix.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Clean the old soil away from the roots of your plant.
    2. Remove any damaged roots and trim back any stray growths.
    3. Use a knife or razor to cut away any dead or decaying material.
    4. Fill the new pot with soil. Ensure the soil level is even with or slightly higher than the old pot.
    5. Plant your plant in its new home and water lightly.

    You can keep it in its current growing conditions, but if you plan to move it outside for the summer, be sure to acclimate it slowly, so it does not suffer from shock.

    Propagating Aloe vaombe by Seeds (Step-by-Step)

    The Malagasy Tree Aloe rarely forms offsets, so seed propagation is recommended. You can either use homegrown seeds or ones bought from a garden center. However, note that the seeds grown by yourself usually have a lower chance of success.

    1. The first step is to collect the seeds. You can do this by breaking open a ripe fruit and allowing the seeds to fall into a glass of water.
    2. After 1-2 days, remove debris and rinse the seeds with clean water.
    3. Next, soak them in warm water overnight and sow them directly into soil or starter plugs.
    4. Keep your seeds warm and humid until germination takes place (about eight weeks).

    Related: The Care Guide: Aloe Speciosa (Tilt-Head Aloe)

    Blooms

    In winter, new flowers emerge atop branching inflorescences. Hundreds of red tubular flowers appear at once, adding significant interest to the garden.

    The flowers are pollinated by insects. They also produce nectar that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The plants will bloom for about a month, producing many flowers simultaneously.

    Aloe Vaombe Leaves
    Aloe vaombe leaves (“Aloe vaombe” by stevenkew is licensed under CC BY 4.0.)

    Toxicity

    Aloe vaombe is non-toxic. It is safe for use in gardens, indoors, and out. It is large enough that even particularly enthusiastic pets can’t really damage the plant.

    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 the most common pest of aloe vaombe. They are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can spread quickly to other plants in your garden. Mealybugs produce white or gray cottony masses on leaves and stems as they feed. This makes it easy to spot infestations early on, although they may also hide in crevices on the plant’s surface.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are small, flat, immobile insects that attach themselves to a plant and suck sap from it. They produce a hard shell called a carapace that protects them from predators. You may see this shell on the plant’s surface or find dead scale insects underneath it.

    Aphids

    Aphids produce a sticky substance called honeydew when they feed on the plant’s sap which attracts ants or other insects that eat it. Treat an infestation by using neem oil or horticultural oils.

    AVOID

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

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: Too much water can easily cause root rot, which is a fungal infection that damages the roots of the plant. It will often cause brown spots on the leaves, indicating that the plant is suffering from this issue. Adjust your watering routine accordingly.
    • Overfertilization: Too much fertilizer can burn the roots of your plant or cause it to grow too fast. You should always follow the instructions on the label when fertilizing, and if you’re unsure what to do, consult a trusted local nursery.
    • Sunburn: If you live in an area that gets a lot of sunlight, it can be easy to forget to give your plants some shade. This will cause them to burn and die if they get too much sun exposure without some kind of protection. You can use a tree or large bush as a barrier between your plants and the sun, or you could simply move them somewhere shadier.

    FAQ

    Aloe vaombe is a succulent that needs well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. You can use a cactus mix when planting your succulents or make your own with equal parts potting soil and perlite. Water the plant when the soil has dried out completely, but don’t overwater it.

    Aloe vaombe is a succulent that needs plenty of sunlight. You can keep it indoors as long as you have bright lighting and an east-facing window. It will also thrive outside if you live in a warm climate where temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Indoors, Aloe vaombe can grow up to 5 feet tall and equally wide. It produces tall stalks covered in clusters of yellow flowers at the top. Outdoors, it can get 12 feet tall.

    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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