How to Grow Aloe Ferox Like a Pro Gardener

Aloe ferox, also called cape aloe, is an evergreen succulent known for its thick, serrated leaves and tall columns of orange flowers. Native to southern Africa, this plant thrives in hot, dry climates. It can be grown indoors as a houseplant in temperate regions.

Like other types of aloe, aloe ferox prefers full sun, sandy loam soil, and infrequent watering. This plant is considered toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Aloe Ferox Care

• Put aloe ferox in a place that receives bright, direct sunlight.
• Plant in a loamy, well-drained potting mix.
• Water only when the soil has completely dried out.
• Fertilize aloe ferox once per year in springtime.

Light

Aloe ferox needs all the direct sunlight you can give it. This plant can be grown outdoors year-round in warm climates and can withstand full sun, although plants will benefit from light afternoon shade in regions with very hot summers. As a houseplant, it grows best in a bright, south-facing or west-facing window.

Soil

Plant aloe ferox in a well-drained, sandy loam soil. You can purchase ready-made cactus soil mix, or add one part perlite or coarse sand to two parts standard houseplant potting mix to increase drainage.

Water

Drought-tolerant aloe ferox grows best in arid conditions. Wait until the potting mix has completely dried out before watering deeply. Infrequent watering is preferred to overwatering, as soggy, wet soil will lead to root rot.

The plant can survive extended periods of neglect, but it will look better and be more likely to flower with consistent watering.

Temperature and Humidity

Aloe ferox prefers warm, temperate growing conditions. The plant can't tolerate freezes below 25 degrees or extreme heat above 115°F. In terms of humidity, aloe ferox is accustomed to dry conditions, so it adapts well to average indoor humidity levels.

Fertilizer

Aloe ferox needs minimal fertilizer to thrive, whether grown outdoors or as a houseplant. Feed indoor plants with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength in early spring.

Pruning

Aloe ferox doesn't require regular pruning. The plant's lower leaves naturally fade to brown and form a "skirt" that hangs down below the living foliage.

You can leave the skirt in place or cut away dead leaves at the base of the plant as they appear if you prefer.

Propagating Aloe Ferox

You can propagate aloe ferox by taking stem cuttings from the heads of mature plants. Before you propagate aloe ferox, you'll need a mature plant, cactus soil, sterilized shears, and a small plant pot. Here's how to do it:

1. Cut the main stem a few inches below the lowest healthy leaf growth. Put the cutting in a warm, shady spot to callus over for a few days.
2. Fill the pot with cactus soil and moisten it lightly.
3. Plant the cutting in the pot, ensuring the bottom few inches of stem are below the soil line.
4. Put the cutting in a warm place with bright sunlight. Water only when the soil has completely dried out and avoid disturbing the cutting.
5. Within a few months, tug gently on the cutting to test whether it is rooted. After successful rooting, you can care for the plant as usual.
   

How to Grow Aloe Ferox From Seed

It's possible to grow aloe ferox from seed. However, plants grown from seed can take several years to flower.

• Plant seeds in a gritty, well-drained seed starting mix by placing them on the surface and covering them slightly to keep them in place.
• Keep the growing medium evenly moist, but avoid overwatering to keep the seeds from watering.
• When plants are about one inch tall, which can take around six months, you can pot them up into individual containers.

Potting and Repotting Aloe Ferox

Plan to repot aloe ferox every two to three years using fresh soil. Roots growing out of the holes in the bottom of the pot, stunted growth, and roots filling the surface of the pot are all signs that it's time to repot. Only go up one or two inches in container diameter when repotting.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases 

Like other aloes, aloe ferox is susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites and fungus gnats, as well as genus-specific pests like gall mites, which cause irregular growths to form on older leaves. Overwatered plants are susceptible to root rot or crown rot caused by fungus in the soil.

How to Get Aloe Ferox to Bloom

Aloe ferox plants need lots of bright sunlight and adequate water to bloom. Note that young plants or seedlings can take several years to bloom.

Bloom Months

Depending on where they're grown, aloe ferox flowers may bloom in fall, winter, or early spring. Plants in warmer climates tend to bloom earlier, while those in colder climates bloom later.

What Do Aloe Ferox Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Aloe ferox blooms with hundreds of small, tube-shaped flowers on tall, upright flower spikes that grow out of the center of the plant.

Yellow or orange stamens extend slightly from each flower after it opens. The flowers are typically bright orange or red but may be yellow, pink, or even white in rare cases.

Deadheading Aloe Ferox Flowers

After blooms have faded, cut back the flower stalk at the base of the plant.

Common Problems With Aloe Ferox

Soft, Squishy Leaves

Soft, squishy, or translucent-looking leaves on aloe ferox indicate overwatering. Cut away affected leaves and repot the plant in a gritty, fast-draining succulent mix. Allow plants to dry out completely before watering in the future.

Yellow or Brown Spots on Leaves

Dark spots on leaves can be a symptom of aloe rust, a fungal disease. Cut away diseased portions of the plant. Sterilize tools with rubbing alcohol and dispose of affected plant parts in the trash to keep the infection from spreading. Treat the plant with organic fungicide.

Black or Brown Stem

A black or brown stem that's soft on aloe ferox can be a symptom of root rot, a fungal disease caused by overwatering. In severe cases, repotting may be required to save the plant.