Aloe africana (African Aloe)

How to grow Aloe africana in NZ

To grow Aloe africana successfully in New Zealand, choose a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained, sandy or gritty soil. This aloe prefers warm conditions and is best suited to frost-free or mild coastal areas. Water deeply but only when the soil is dry, especially in summer, and reduce watering during winter. Avoid waterlogged soils to prevent rot. Aloe africana forms a tall, single-stemmed rosette with upright, grey-green leaves and produces tall spikes of orange-yellow flowers in late winter to early spring. It is ideal for feature planting, dry gardens, or containers in warm, sheltered spots.

African Aloe care tips

Aloe africana thrives in full sun with well-drained, sandy or gritty soil. Water only when the soil is dry, and reduce watering in winter to avoid root rot. Protect young plants from heavy frost, especially in cooler regions. Remove spent flower spikes and any damaged leaves to maintain a tidy appearance. This aloe is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and well-suited to dry, coastal, or subtropical gardens in New Zealand.

Plant Size and Spacing

Aloe africana typically grows 1.5 to 3 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide, forming a single stem with a rounded rosette of upright leaves. When planting multiple African Aloes, space them at least 1.5 to 2 metres apart to allow for full canopy development and good airflow. This spacing also helps highlight their tall flower spikes and sculptural form in the landscape.

Aloe africana for sale at The Plant Company

Aloe africana is available from The Plant Company as a high-quality, NZ-grown plant suited to dry, coastal, or subtropical gardens. Each plant is carefully raised for strong health and structure, ready to thrive in sunny, free-draining sites. The Plant Company offers expert advice, fast dispatch, and free delivery on orders over $150, making it a reliable source for this striking, low-maintenance aloe with tall flower spikes and sculptural form.