Plant of the Month – January
0Lace Aloe
Torch Plant
Aloe aristata
- Plant Form: Succulent
- Water Use: Very low
- Mature Size: 0.8-1 ft. tall x 1-2 ft. wide
- Exposure: Full sun, light shade
- Bloom Time: Spring (May), Summer (June – Aug)
- Native to: South Africa
- Hardiness: Cold hardy to 15°F
Looking for a unique succulent to accent your cactus or succulent garden, rock garden, or patio pots? Here is an interesting option that is also extremely drought tolerant, long living, low maintenance, and attractive to hummingbirds when in flower. It looks like an artist got involved in the patterns on the leaves, which contrast nicely with the foliage of companion plants.
Lace Aloe is a dwarf succulent species perfect for edging, ground covers, or in pots. It only asks for well-draining soil and not too much water, especially in hot summers, needing watering only 2 to 4 times a month. Reduce watering in cool winter months. Fleshy leaves retain water and allow this plant to easily survive drought. Its succulent leaves are covered in small, white tubercles organized in lines, which contrast nicely with the foliage of other succulents. Long, tubular coral flowers form on tall stalks every year in late spring and summer, attracting hummingbirds. This easy-to-grow aloe can live 50 to 100 years if maintained properly. Lace Aloe can be easily propagated by separating offsets with their roots in early summer. Lace Aloe is beautiful in succulent and cactus gardens, dry borders, rock gardens, living walls, hummingbird gardens, fire-wise gardens, and in well-draining pots as a great patio plant.
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