The Aloe polyphylla, or better known as Spiral Aloe is an indoor plant that is known with many other names including Kroonaalwyn, Lekhala Kharetsa and many-leaved aloe. This is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Aloe genus. It is native to the mountains of Drakensberg, kingdom of Lesotho in South Africa. This is an evergreen perennial succulent plant. This plant is a very beautiful plant as it grows in an asymmetrical and spiral shape.
Its thick leaves are arranged in a spiral dimension the stemless core or center of the plant. The leaves arrangement is considered perfect in both clockwise and anticlockwise formation. Its natural habitat is the mountain area of South Africa. It is hard to grow outside its natural habitat and it requires a lot of attention and care. But with a little bit of extra effort and attention, you can easily grow it.
| Scientific Name | Aloe polyphylla |
| Common Names | Spiral Aloe |
| Origin | South Africa (Maluti mountains) |
| Water | Similar to water needs of most succulents |
| Light | Partial shade to full sun light |
| Size | Plant grows up to 12″ and 24″ wide |
| Soil | Well draining soil |
| Zone | Zone 10a (Minimum 20° F) |
| Propagation | By offsets |
| Toxicity | Can be toxic to pets and humans |
How to Water
Spiral Aloe belongs to the succulent family, but its water needs are a bit different from all other succulent plants. You need to check first if the soil where the plant has been planted has dried or not. If the soil is dry, then you can water it. If you are not sure if the soil is completely dry or not you can dip your finger in the soil if the soil sticks to your finger that means it is a bit damp but if it is not sticking to your finger that means it is dry. This plant does not like to be overwatered or kept dried up for a long time.
- Only provide water to the Aloe polyphylla when you feel that soil has dried.
- You need to water Aloe polyphylla sparingly and in a way that water reaches the bottom layer of the soil.
- Make sure the Aloe polyphylla pot has a proper drain hole to drain the extra water otherwise it will cause overwatering issues.
- Its watering needs depend on your region, if you are in a hot area you might need to water it twice a week but if you are in a cold place you can water it once in 10 days.
Lighting and Temperature
As this plant comes from the mountain area of the kingdom of Lesotho, this is plant is tolerant of cold temperatures and even snow. But if this plant is grown in the hot temperature areas, there are chances that it might not survive. It is better to keep it in a cold place, such as indoor room where the temperature is less than 25 degrees Celsius.
This plant can grow in places where there is enough light. It may die if it is grown in a very hot place where it faces the sun all the time. If you are growing it indoor it has better chances of survival. You can place it where it can get enough light such as near your windows that face the sun.
Not getting enough lighting for your succulents? Check out this succulent LED lighting via Amazon
Soil needs
The Spiral Aloe is a succulent plant and its soil requirements are also similar to other succulent plants. These plants are like soil which is porous and contains a little sand element. Their major requirement is soil that can quickly drain.
To grow them in a planter, you need to use two elements, one is soil and the other is sand. You can make a mixture of these two and add some natural plant waste as a paste for fertilizer purposes.
This sandy soil with a mixture of plant waste in the form of a paste will form a porous and quick-drained soil that is the type of soil that is needed for its proper growth.
Fertilizer
This requires only a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer for boosting its growth. You can add this during the creation of pot soil for the Spiral Aloe. You can also add the fertilizer when you are watering it. For better growth, you can add fertilizer once in two to three months. But if the soil content of your pot is not that good, you can add it once a month as well.
How to Repot
To repot them you need to use a mixture of sandy soil that has some amount of plant waste material in pieces and clippings. The best season for breeding is the beginning of spring. You should inform it before spring arrives. The reason for this is that the new growth of aloe polyphylla begins in spring. For repotting you need to take the plants from the root and repot them into the new place.
How to Propagate
They are easy to grow through the propagation, you can cut the leaf of the plant with a sharp knife and then plant it in the potting soil. This plant also grows some small offspring at the outer sides of the spiral ring. You can also use these offspring to further propagate the plant. You need to pull the offspring from the mother plant by hand and then repot it somewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can we grow them from seeds?
Answer: Yes, it is possible to grow them from their seeds.
Question: How often should you water a spiral aloe?
Answer: It depends on your area and climate, if you are in a hot place, provide it water twice a week and if you are at a cold place, provide it water only once weak.
Question: Does the spiral aloe like the full sun?
Answer: No, this plant is from the region that is very cold, and it needs only partial sunlight, full sunlight will not help the growth.
Question: Does the spiral aloe grow in hot environments?
Answer: No, it is a plant that likes cold, and hot environment is considered very harmful for it.
Question: Does the spiral aloe grow in cold environments?
Answer: Yes, it is native to the cold environment and can even survive the snowfalls.
Question: Are the spiral aloe toxic?
Answer: Yes, it can be toxic to humans and animals
See also:
