Quicksilver Aloe

Quicksilver Aloe (Aloe hybrid 'Quicksilver') is a compact rosette succulent 20 to 30cm tall, with thick, juicy, toothed leaves striped in pale green and silvery-white. Coral flower spikes tipped with yellow appear on even very young plants, so you get a bloom early. It handles dry gardens, coastal sites and large pots.

Why you'll love it

• Silvery-white stripes. A light green base striped in paler tones makes the leaves look silvery-white, all year.
• Early flowers. The coral, yellow-tipped flowers appear on even very young plants, so you do not wait years for a bloom.
• Waterwise. It is frugal with water, which makes it a good choice for xeriscaping and dry gardens.
• Coastal use. It is recommended for coastal gardens as well as dry inland ones.
• A dramatic accent. Its architectural rosette works as a focal point in a bed or a large container.

Where it works best

Dry and xeriscape gardens. Plant it as an accent among gravel and boulders. Leave 40cm between plants if you are grouping them.

Coastal gardens. It suits coastal positions where the soil is sandy and drains quickly. Give it as much sun as the site allows.

Large containers and indoors. A big pot makes a feature of the rosette, and it is a lovely indoor plant in a bright room.

Growing Quicksilver Aloe in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade. Subtropical, warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid gardens are all suitable. It needs protection from hard frost, so keep potted plants where you can move them under cover.

Soil. A free draining mix works in a pot or in the ground. Set the plant so the crown sits above the soil and water cannot pool in the centre.

Water and feed. Water weekly in the warmer months, then keep it drier through winter to avoid rotting the crown. One spring feed with an organic liquid fertiliser at half strength is enough.

Pups and tidying. When a pot becomes crowded with pups, separate the young plants and pot them on or share them. Cut spent flower stems back to the base.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Quicksilver Aloe as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is a young rosette, and the silver striping shows early. Plant it with the crown clear of the soil in a sunny, well drained spot, and water lightly until it settles. Our grower supplies the tube stock, and supply is not constant. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at that moment, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it returns.

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
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Succulents for hot climates

Common questions

How cold can it go?

Protect it from hard frost. In cold districts, grow it in a pot that you can move under cover for winter.

Why is the centre of my plant rotting?

Usually from too much water in cool weather. Keep it drier through winter and plant with the crown above the soil.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Aloes are toxic to dogs and cats if chewed. Grow it in a raised pot or a garden bed that pets cannot get to.