Candelabra aloe care guide
Aloe arborescens
Also known as: Krantz aloe, Torch aloe
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Compounds in the leaf rind are known to cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Candelabra aloe
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 10 days
- A summer grower: water thoroughly once the soil dries, as a guide; in the ground rain nearly covers it, and pots drink in midsummer too when dry.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- Once it cools, stretch the gaps and water a few days after the soil dries, about every two weeks.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every month
- In winter, keep to a light watering about once a month on a mild morning, and none at all in the ground.
Light and placement for Candelabra aloe
A summer grower that generally wants full sun and airflow outdoors all year; in poor light the leaves thin and droop and the plant topples, it handles midsummer sun, and indoors it needs the brightest window.
Overwintering Candelabra aloe
Overwintering guide: 0°C (32°F) or above
One of the hardier aloes, it generally takes about 0°C if kept off frost; in milder regions from Kanto westward it overwinters outdoors against a wall or under the eaves, and pots come inside only on freezing nights.
Fertilizing and repotting Candelabra aloe
Fertilizer
In the ground it needs almost no feeding; pots get diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month from spring to fall, none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Candelabra aloe
- Indoors without enough light the leaves droop and the stem stretches and topples.
- Overwatered in winter, the roots rot.
- A hard frost damages the leaf tips and they redden and die back.
Tips for growing Candelabra aloe
- When it outgrows its spot, cut the stem, dry it a few days, and replant.
- Pups appear at the base; detach and plant them.
- Reddish leaves in winter come from cold and sun and green up again in spring.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
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