Name: Aloe ferox
Brand: Surreal Succulents
Price: 8.50 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

Aloe ferox

£8.50

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How we ship our plants

Most of our plants are shipped bare-root. Please note that the plant you receive may not be an exact likeness of the images shown.

Aloe ferox is native to South Africa and is also known as the Cape Aloe and is listed on the CITES list of endangered plants. It grows in a variety of conditions and is fairly adaptable in cultivation. It has large rosettes with thick, fleshy leaves with red-brown spines and can grow to 3m in height. The orange-red flowers of this species are a real feature and are held 50-100cm above the leaves.

Also known as:

Cape Aloe
Bitter Aloe
Red Aloe
Tap Aloe

Where it thrives

Sunlight Full Sun 5+ hrs of sun

Recommended location Balcony

Recommended location Patio

Recommended location Sunny Windowsill

Plant characteristics

Growability Beginner

Growth form Singular rosette

Growth rate Moderate

Minimum temperature 0°C

Mature size, height and width 50 cm x 50 cm

Foliage colour Green and Orange

On Arrival

Aloe ferox is delivered bare-root and will need time to establish in its new pot. Unpack it carefully, remove the protective material and check that the leaves, stems and roots have arrived in good condition.

Plant Aloe ferox in the compost recommended in this guide. Spread the roots into a natural position rather than folding or forcing them into the pot. Hold the plant at the correct depth while adding compost around the roots, then tap the pot lightly on the potting bench several times to settle the mixture. Do not press the compost down heavily by hand.

Wait five to seven days before watering. This resting period allows small root injuries caused during lifting and transport to dry, reducing the risk of rot. After this, water lightly while the roots establish. Begin the normal watering routine once the plant is firmly rooted and showing healthy growth.

Keep Aloe ferox in a bright, sheltered position during establishment. Protect it from intense midday sunshine for the first week, then introduce it gradually to the recommended light conditions. Temporary softness or the loss of a few older leaves is normal while the root system recovers.

We supply the recommended care essentials for mail order. Find the relevant products here: succulent compost

Watering

Water Aloe ferox thoroughly, allow every excess drop to escape and wait until the compost has dried before watering again. Follow our 3 D's method: drench, drain and dry.

Aloes appreciate deep watering during active spring and summer growth, but the frequency must still be determined by the compost, temperature and pot size. Keep water out of the central crown.

Reduce watering substantially during winter. Thick leaves store enough moisture to carry a healthy plant through a dry period more safely than cold, wet roots.

We supply the recommended care essentials for mail order. Find the relevant products here: succulent compost

Light and position

Provide Aloe ferox with Full Sun - 5+ Hours of Sun. Suitable positions can include Balcony, Patio, and Sunny Windowsill. Good natural light is required to maintain compact growth and bring out the strongest foliage colour.

Avoid dark rooms or positions far from a window. Insufficient light causes stretched stems, loose rosettes and weak new growth. Rotate pot-grown plants regularly so every side receives an even amount of light.

Introduce Aloe ferox to stronger sunshine gradually after winter, delivery or a period under cover. Sudden exposure can scorch foliage that has not adjusted to direct light. Provide temporary shade during intense heatwaves if the leaves begin to mark.

Compost and drainage

Plant Aloe ferox in a free-draining mixture. We recommend a standard multi-purpose compost or a John Innes No.2 (sandy) mix with 30 to 40 percent by volume of drainage media added, such as horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite. Always choose a pot with unrestricted drainage holes.

Select a container that is only moderately larger than the root system. Too much unused compost remains wet for longer and makes careful watering more difficult.

Terracotta is an excellent choice because its porous surface helps the compost dry evenly and allows air to reach the roots. A thin layer of horticultural grit around the plant also keeps lower leaves away from damp compost.

We supply the recommended care essentials for mail order. Find the relevant products here: succulent compost horticultural grit perlite

Feeding

Fresh compost should contain enough nutrients to support Aloe ferox for approximately three to six months. Once these nutrients have been used, apply a balanced liquid feed at half the recommended strength every three to four weeks while the plant is actively growing.

Apply feed when the compost is already moist, preferably shortly after watering. This distributes the nutrients around the roots and reduces the risk of damage from concentrated fertiliser.

Stop feeding during prolonged cold weather or whenever active growth has paused. Additional nutrients cannot be used effectively by a resting plant and can encourage soft, vulnerable growth.

We supply the recommended care essentials for mail order. Find the relevant products here: succulent compost liquid seaweed feed

Winter care

The recorded minimum temperature for Aloe ferox is 0°C. Move it into a bright, airy and protected position before conditions fall below this level. A greenhouse, conservatory or bright, cool room can provide suitable protection for tender varieties.

Keep the compost much drier through winter because cold, wet roots are particularly vulnerable to rot. Do not place the plant directly above a radiator, as warm dry air combined with weak winter light can produce distorted growth.

Use high-quality horticultural fleece as an additional layer of protection during short cold spells. Allow air to circulate around the foliage whenever conditions permit.

We supply the recommended care essentials for mail order. Find the relevant products here: succulent compost horticultural fleece

Summer care

During warm weather, keep Aloe ferox in a bright position with good airflow. Check the compost regularly, but do not assume that a hot day automatically means the plant needs water.

Move the plant away from intense afternoon sunshine if the leaves begin to scorch. Plants grown behind glass can become much hotter than the surrounding air, so ventilate greenhouses and conservatories during heatwaves.

Continue feeding only while healthy new growth is visible. If growth slows during extreme heat, reduce watering and pause feeding until milder conditions return.

We supply the recommended care essentials for mail order. Find the relevant products here: succulent compost

Repotting

Repot Aloe ferox during spring when it becomes root-bound, unstable or too large for its container. Remove loose, tired compost and replace it with a fresh, free-draining mixture. Choose a new pot that is only moderately larger than the existing one.

Inspect the root system while the plant is out of its pot. Remove dead, hollow or rotten roots using clean snips, then leave any fresh cuts to dry before watering.

Keep the plant at its previous depth unless the profile specifically recommends otherwise. Burying healthy leaves or the growing point can trap moisture and encourage rot.

We supply the recommended care essentials for mail order. Find the relevant products here: succulent compost

Common problems

Weak, stretched or unusually pale growth usually indicates that Aloe ferox needs more light. Move it gradually into a brighter position and rotate the pot regularly to encourage balanced development.

Soft leaves, dark stems and sudden collapse are commonly associated with excess moisture, particularly during cold weather. Remove damaged material and allow healthy tissue and compost to dry before watering again.

Check sheltered leaf joints and the root area regularly for mealybug. Treat an infestation promptly and isolate the affected plant while it recovers.

We supply the recommended care essentials for mail order. Find the relevant products here: succulent compost

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Aloe ferox

Where it thrives

How to care for Aloe ferox

Plant characteristics

On Arrival

Watering

Light and position

Compost and drainage

Feeding

Winter care

Summer care

Repotting

Common problems

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