Aloe arborescens
Family: Asphodelaceae, formerly Xanthorrhoeaceae​
​Common Name: candelabra aloe
Origin: Aloe arborescens is widely distributed throughout South Africa, originating within dense forests, coasts, montane grasslands, and mountainous outcrops that vary in elevation from 0 to 2,800 meters above sea level.
Description: A. arborescens is a succulent that forms wide, variable rosettes of narrow, sword-like leaves, growing up to 3 meters in height. The leaves are lined with conspicuous teeth, with old leaves persistent at the base. From late fall to early winter, a candelabra inflorescence up to 2 feet tall may develop, bearing cylindrical orange flowers.
  • Interesting Features:
    • The leaves of Aloe arborescens differ in color from glaucous, yellow-green, to dull green, varying by altitude and the amount of sunlight received. Additionally, in bright or dry conditions, leaf margins will become reddish.
    • During very rare occasions, the candelabra aloe will develop a tree-like form with a single trunk, leading to the epithet arborescens, for “becoming a tree”.
  • Uses: Aloe arborescens is widely utilized for ornamental, culinary, and medicinal purposes. In Japan, the leaves are consumed as a health food, or used to create Kidachi aloe candies. Hospitals in Ecuador use the gel from leaves to treat cuts, scrapes, bites, and burns up to the third degree.
    • At the same time, A. arborescens is commonly taken as a laxative, but should never be consumed in excess, as long-time use of the purgative leaves may lead to pelvic irritation and colorectal cancer.
    • ​Additional uses include to ease childbirth, cure athlete’s foot, and ensure healthy skin, as well as the plant’s value in cultivation as a living fence, nectar source, and fire preventative.

Cultivation and Care:
  • Watering: Moderate
    • Unlike most succulents, A. arborescens is coastal and tolerates moist soil. Water regularly in spring and summer, and reduce irrigation during winter.
    • If siting in coastal California, supplemental water is not necessary except during times of drought.
  • Soil: The candelabra aloe should be sited in gritty, light to moderate soils that are well-draining and slightly acidic, with a pH between 5 and 6.
  • Lighting: Indoor plants should be given bright, direct sun, but provide shelter outdoor plants with partial shade – especially under the afternoon sun.
  • Propagation: Aloe arborescens is easily propagated from stem or softwood cuttings, offsets, and through seed. Cuttings and offsets can be directly planted into the desired location, and seed will germinate within 3-4 weeks if protected from frost.
  • Cold Tolerance: 25°F, USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11.
  • Special Accommodations: A. arborescens is mildly toxic when consumed by dogs and cats, and should be sited away from pets. Additionally, protect from severe frost, and repot every few years, to prevent bound roots.

Sources:
  1. Llifle Encyclopedia of Succulents
  2. World of Succulents
  3. Plants for a Future
  4. Dave's Garden
  5. Useful Tropical Plants
  6. Gardenia