Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphylla)

Aloe polyphylla is a perennial succulent

There are many species of aloes, but if there is one that attracts a lot of attention due to its curious spiral shape, it is the Aloe polyphylla. It is a succulent, not a cactus or a slow-growing succulent plant, but so beautiful that any patio or garden will undoubtedly look great with it.

Maintaining this wonder of nature is somewhat more complicated than it might seem, especially considering that it is very, very sensitive to excess water. But do not worry: Next we will give you some tips and tricks to have the spiral aloe in perfect condition.

Origin and characteristics of Aloe polyphylla

View of spiral aloe

Image - Wikimedia / Stan Shebs

Our protagonist is a crass or succulent non-cactus native to Lesotho, specifically from the Drakensberg Mountains in Africa. Its scientific name is Aloe polyphylla, and the common spiral aloe or spiral aloe.

It is an acaule plant, that is, it does not have a stem. The specimen, once it has reached adulthood, measures about 40 centimeters in diameter. It develops from 15 to 30 fleshy and spiny leaves, with a more or less triangular shape, grayish-green in color that are arranged in a spiral.

The flowers are grouped in very dense inflorescences, and are tubular, salmon-pink in color. The fruits are a species of elongated, dry capsules that contain several quite flattened seeds, small and of a dark almost black color.

Unfortunately, it is in danger of extinction. In its place of origin, in Lesotho, it is a protected plant, both its sale and distribution being prohibited.

What are the care you need?

If you dare to have a copy, we recommend that you take into account what we are going to tell you now so that you can provide the best care:

Climate

Spiral aloe is a plant that lives in a mountainous region, where the maximum temperatures are around 30-32ºC and the minimum temperatures can drop below 4 degrees below zero on occasion.

But this can lead to confusion, because for example in Spain, taking into account what we have just said, it should be easy to cultivate it in many places ... which is not the case. Why? Because, although the weather is very important, it is not everything 😉.

Location

It is a succulent that, in its natural habitat, is in an area where it receives direct sunlight throughout the day. But in cultivation and especially during the summer and / or if you live in an area with strong sunshine (such as the Mediterranean region for example) and / or if the maximums exceed 30ºC, it is better that you have it in a very bright place, but a little protected from the sun's rays to prevent its leaves from burning.

Earth

Aloe polyphylla blooms once a year

Image - Wikimedia / Bjørn Christian Tørrissen

  • Flower pot: fill with pumice or kiryuzuna. Peat or similar is not recommended since in these substrates the roots of the spiral aloe rot quickly.
  • Garden: you can plant it in the garden as long as you make a hole of about 50 x 50cm, and fill it with pumice or kiryuzuna.

Irrigation

Irrigation is one of the most difficult issues to control, as it has to be rather scarce. The Aloe polyphyllaBesides wanting a land with excellent drainage, it requires little water. Therefore, and to avoid problems, It should be watered once a week in spring and summer, and every 15-20 days the rest of the year.

If there are frosts in your area, water once a month or a month and a half. Remember that it will always be much better to fall short than go overboard with watering, since in fact, it will be easier for you to recover it if you are thirsty than if you are drowning.

Also, when you water, you have to moisten the earth, never the plant. Pour water until you see that the substrate is very wet and, if you have it in a pot, make sure that the excess comes out of the drainage holes. In this way, it will stay properly hydrated.

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Throughout the spring and summer season It is highly recommended to fertilize it with a specific fertilizer for cacti and other succulents, following the instructions specified on the product packaging.

Planting or transplanting time

En spring. If it is potted, transplant every 2-3 years, when you see the roots come out of the drainage holes or when it has already filled the entire container.

If possible, use clay pots -with holes in the base-, as this way it will be able to root better. But if you can't, don't worry, a plastic one - also with holes - can be fine too.

Multiplication

El Aloe polyphylla multiplies by seeds in spring-summer. In order for them to germinate, a substrate with very good drainage must be used, such as 50% fine mulch + 40% washed river sand + 10% white peat. Water thoroughly, and then place them on the surface.

Finally, cover them with a thin layer of substrate, and leave the seedbed in a bright place.

Keeping the substrate moist (but not flooded), if everything goes well they will germinate in about 10-15 days at a temperature of about 20ºC.

Pests

It is quite resistant, but you have to be careful with snails.

Rusticity

The adult specimens can withstand the cold and some weak frosts when they are well rooted, but it is preferable for young people to protect themselves from freezing temperatures.

Where to buy?

If you are looking for plants, we recommend you consult a nursery specialized in cacti and succulents; in case you want seeds, you can get them from No products found..

Aloe polyphylla is an ornamental plant

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