Aloe ferox (South African aloe)

Botanical name

Aloe ferox

Other names

South African aloe, Bitter aloe, Cape aloes

Genus

Aloe Aloe

Species

A. ferox - A. ferox is a single stemmed, tall, upright, evergreen perennial. The stem is covered in dry leaves, with a rosette crown of dull greenish-brown succulent leaves, from which cylindrical racemes of bright orange flowers emerge in summer.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Single stemmed palm, cycad or tree

Toxicity

Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.

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Colour

Flower

Orange in Summer

Foliage

Green, Silvery-grey in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Mealybugs , Scale insects

Diseases

Vulnerable to chlorosis resulting from magnesium deficiency.

General care

Propagation methods

Offsets, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Aloe ferox (South African aloe) will reach a height of 2m and a spread of 0.6m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Flower Arranging, Indoor, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Grow under glass in free draining soil, in bright light. Water moderately when in growth and feed a few times with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Aloe ferox (South African aloe)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/