📷 Andrew Massyn, wikipedia.org
Aloe arborescens aka Torch Aloe
Aloe | Updated: January 19, 2025
This blue-green aloe has yellow teeth along the edges. It grows well outdoors, and is used medicinally as well as creating a natural fence. Watch for reddish orange flowers in the winter.
Quick Guide
- Full sun to partial shade 🌤️
- Typical water needs for a succulent
- Plant grows up to 8′ (2.4 m) tall
- Plant grows up to 8′ (2.4 m) wide
- Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)
- Not cold hardy
- Propagation by stem cuttings, offsets, and seeds
- Generally non-toxic to humans
- Summer Dormant
How to 🩷 Care for and Propagate Your 🪴 Succulents
General Care for Aloe arborescens aka Torch Aloe
Aloe arborescens, commonly known as Torch Aloe, is a wonderful addition to outdoor succulent gardens. Growing tall and wide, it can even serve as a natural fence. Its striking flowers attract bees, and it’s valued as a medicinal plant in various parts of the world.
Watering
Torch Aloe follows typical succulent watering needs. The soak and dry method is ideal, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in the summer when the plant is dormant.
Where to Plant
Torch Aloe isn’t cold-hardy, so avoid planting it in gardens where temperatures drop below 20°F (-6.7°C). Select a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
How to Propagate Aloe arborescens aka Torch Aloe
Propagation can be done through stem cuttings, offsets, or seeds.
Cuttings
To propagate from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or scissors to remove a stem from the main plant. Let the cutting callous for several days before placing it in well-draining soil. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
Offsets
For propagation from offsets, use a sterile, sharp knife or scissors to remove an offset from the base of the plant. Allow the offset to callous for several days before planting it in well-draining soil. Water only when the soil has dried out completely.
Seeds
To propagate from seeds, sow them in well-draining soil. You can grow Aloe seeds outdoors if you live in a zone above 9a. In cooler areas, start sowing indoors under a grow light or on a seed mat.
Also known as
Aloe arborescens ‘Sunset’ per Colorful Succulents: A 🌈 Rainbow of Options for Your Garden
Tags & Attributes
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Species: A. arborescens