The aloe aristata (al-oh a-ris-tah-tuh) is a perennial succulent with succulent rosettes with white bumps and yellow spots.
The aloe aristata is also known as the lace aloe due to the lace-like features on its leaves.
Other common names for the aloe aristata are:
- Guinea-fowl aloe
- Lace Aloe
- Torch plant
- Aristaloe aristata
The torch plant is part of the Asphodelaceae family. It is native to the mountain tops of South Africa and is the sole species in its genus.
Even though it is known as an aloe plant, it shares more similarities with the haworthia succulent than with the aloe genus.
When in bloom, the aloe aristata produces tall tubular flowers that are bright orange.
Quick Facts On The Aloe Aristata Plant
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Light: Full indirect sunlight
- Temperature: 50° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Make sure the first inch of soil is dry before watering
- Fertilizer: Liquid fertilizer
- Propagation: Propagate through offsets
- Common Problems: Root rot, mealybugs, scale insects
Aloe Aristata Care
What Does The Torch Plant Look Like And How Big Does It Grow?
The aloe aristata is slow-growing and produces triangular succulent leaves that form as a rosette. The leaves are filled with water and are green with white and yellow spots.
The leaves have white textured bumps creating a lace look on the leaves.
The base of an aloe aristata can reach around two feet wide, with its leaves reaching 6″ to 12″ inches in length. When in bloom, its flower stalks can be up to 20″ inches tall.
When Does Aloe Torch Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The lace aloe normally blooms in the summer. Its orange flowers are not fragrant.
The flowers of the aloe aristata normally only appear for a short amount of time. The bright orange flowers normally bloom each year.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The aloe aristata grows best in full sun and warm regions, similar to its native environment in South Africa.
However, it can tolerate shaded areas and does not enjoy direct sunlight.
When growing your aloe aristata inside, it is best to find a west or south-facing window.
If it is outdoors, ensure it is getting full sun, but it is indirect.
The aloe aristata cannot withstand cold temperatures. Therefore, your aloe aristata should be brought inside in the winter if the temperature reaches below 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water and Fertilize The Torch Plant?
When watering your aloe aristata, ensure the top half-inch of the soil is dry before watering the plant.
Since it is a succulent plant, it holds water in its leaves and should not be watered frequently.
In the winter, you will not have to water your lace aloe as often as in the growing season.
To avoid root rot, it is important to water the soil and not the leaves of the aloe aristata.
You can add liquid fertilizer every 3 or 4 weeks in the spring and summer. When you add liquid fertilizer, make sure to water the plant to dilute all of the fertilizer.
What Is The Best Soil For The Aloe Aristata And When Should You Transplant?
To encourage growth, transplant your aloe aristata each year at the start of the growing season in early spring.
For soil, you can use regular cactus soil mixed with sand, perlite, or pumice to create a well-draining mixture. It is important to create a well-draining mixture to avoid any root rot.
Does The Aloe Aristata Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The aloe aristata does not require any special grooming. To encourage growth, you should remove any wilted leaves and withering flowers.
How To Propagate The Lace Aloe Plant?
To propagate your lace aloe, do the following:
- First, take offsets from the base of the mother succulent.
- Then, in a small pot with sandy cactus soil, you will pot your offsets ¾” inches deep in the soil.
- Once you pot your offsets, keeping them in an environment with no direct sunlight is important.
- Just like in current plants, ensure the soil is quite dry and only water when the top half-inch of the soil is dried out.
- Then, after some growth, you can transplant them into larger pots with sandy cactus soil.
Make sure to start propagation in early spring to encourage growth.
Lace Aloe Pests And Diseases
The lace aloe plant can have some issues with overwatering that can lead to root rot.
It is important to water only the plant’s soil and ensure the first half-inch or inch is dry.
If you dry the plant out completely, it can handle the drought as long as it gets watered.
At times, the lace aloe may face a mealybug infestation. You can wipe the leaves with a cloth with alcohol and water.
If the mealybugs are in the soil, you should remove the soil and rinse the roots. Then, transplant your lace aloe into a new pot with new soil.
Suggested Torch Plant Uses
The aloe aristata plant does well in a group of succulents when making a small succulent garden, either in a container or a rock garden.
They do well on shelves, tables, or gardens outdoors.