Fan Aloe

Fan Aloe (Aloe plicatilis, also sold as Kumara plicatilis) is a tree aloe that grows slowly to about 5m tall and 2m wide. Its blue-green leaves are arranged in flat, symmetrical fans at the tips of branching, corky trunks, and mature plants carry coral red flowers in winter and spring. It is a sculptural feature for waterwise gardens and also grows well in a pot.

Why you'll love it

• Living sculpture. The rounded, succulent leaves stack in symmetrical fans, and on older plants they emerge in pairs from sturdy trunks.
• Interesting from the start. It is fan-like and fascinating when small and imposing when full grown.
• Nectar for the birds. The coral red, bell-shaped flowers are rich in nectar and arrive in winter and spring, when little else is in bloom.
• Waterwise. A drought tolerant succulent from the South African fynbos, it suits dry and succulent gardens.
• Garden or pot. Plant it out, or grow it in a large pot or a bright indoor spot.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Use one plant as a focal point in a waterwise or succulent garden, with a clear 2m around it for the mature spread. Mulch with pebbles or grit, which suits both the look and the plant.

Pots and courtyards. Growth is slow, so a large pot of free draining mix keeps a fan aloe happy for years on a sunny courtyard or terrace.

Indoors. It can live inside in a pot, given your brightest position and a mix that never stays wet.

Growing Fan Aloe in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun suits it best. It responds well to Mediterranean climates, and it also grows in warm temperate and subtropical gardens where drainage is sharp. Protect it from frost: it tolerates only a light frost, so in colder districts keep it in a pot you can move under cover.

Soil. Free draining, slightly acid soil in a pot or in the garden. Keep the crown above the soil surface, and on heavy clay plant on a mound with gravel worked through.

Water and feed. Year round water suits it in Mediterranean climates, and where winters are dry a little weekly watering is beneficial. In humid summers let the soil dry between drinks, because wet feet cause rot. A light feed of slow release fertiliser in early autumn is plenty.

Pruning. None is needed. Snap off spent flower stems at the base, peel away dried lower leaves and leave the trunk and fans alone. Aloes are toxic to dogs and cats if chewed.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Fan Aloe as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and in single 300mm pots. Young plants are small clumps of leaves that begin to fan out as they grow, and because this aloe is slow, the larger pots give you a useful head start. Plants travel upright. Keep the crown above the soil when planting, and wait a week or two before the first deep watering.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our aloe range
• Growing flowering aloes in Australia
• More succulents for sunny gardens
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens

Common questions

How fast will it reach full size?

Slowly. It builds its trunk over many years, so think of it as a long term investment rather than a quick screen. A larger pot starts you further along.

Is it safe for dogs and cats?

No. Aloes are toxic to dogs and cats if chewed, so place a potted plant out of reach.

Does it need water in winter?

That depends on your climate. Where winters are dry, a little weekly watering is beneficial. Where they are cold and wet, keep the roots on the dry side and protect the plant from frost.