Scientific Name
Aloe maculata All.
Common Name(s)
Soap Aloe, Zebra Aloe
Synonym(s)
Aloe saponaria, Aloe saponaria var. saponaria, Aloe commutata var. bicolor, Aloe picta subsp. major
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Description
Aloe maculata is a succulent plant that forms rosettes of broad triangular dark green leaves with a reddish tinge at the tip, distinctive H-shaped white spots, and margins lined with brown teeth. It is a variable species, but its flat-topped inflorescences and usually uniformly colored flowers distinguish it from the other spotted Aloes. The rosettes grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall and 24 inches (60 cm) in diameter. Leaves are variable in length and shape and mostly recurved towards the usually dried twisted tip. The inflorescence can have up to 6 branches. The stalks of the open flowers are longer than those of the buds. The flower color ranges from yellow and red to orange. Flowering time varies, and various forms may flower in summer, winter, or spring.
Together with Aloe davyana, Aloe greatheadii, Aloe petrophila, and Aloe umfoloziensis, this species is a part of the Saponariae series.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aloe is a very forgiving plant, and a well-grown plant can be quite beautiful. However, as with all succulents, Aloe must never be allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering.
These succulents are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. However, in the spring, repot Aloes tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. When repotting a larger plant, it is possible to divide the root ball carefully. Some varieties of Aloe will send off offsets that can be potted independently.
Aloe plants need strong, bright light. They can withstand full summer sunlight once acclimated. In the winter, provide bright light. It prefers warmer temperatures of 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) but will survive down to 40 °F (4.5 °C). Feed with a succulent fertilizer in the summer only. Suspend feeding in the winter as the plant goes dormant.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Origin
This species is native to southern Africa, from Zimbabwe in the north to the Cape Peninsula in the south. Specifically, it is native to southern and eastern South Africa, south-eastern Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
Cultivars and Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Aloe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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