How to grow Aloe ferox in our garden

The Aloe ferox , commonly known as “Aloe feroz” is within the Aloe family, and is visually very similar to the Aloe vera that we all know. It is native to the African region, but it grows in many, many environments. If you want to know some things about Aloe ferox  and are interested in knowing how it is grown, let’s do it!

MAIN FEATURES OF ALOE FEROX

The Aloe ferox comes from a single stem, is slow growing, but if you have the best culture conditions (sure it is) can reach up to 2 meters high . The appearance is similar to that of Aloe vera ,  with fleshy leaves that can reach a meter in length and with thorny teeth on both sides. The curious thing about Aloe ferox  is the orange inflorescences that bloom brilliantly and are visible from afar. Its common name “ferocious” comes from the teeth of its blades and the damage it can cause if we rub against them.

It is an endemic plant of South Africa , in which it grows naturally on dry, rocky places and on bushes. In your garden you can do the same. Create a rock massif of cacti species or around walls or fences.

ALOE FEROX  CARE GUIDE  AND MAINTENANCE IN THE GARDEN

THE IDEAL CLIMATE AND SOIL 

Like any plant with fleshy leaves, it requires direct exposure to the sun . Think that its origins are African and we all know the climate of the continent. The Aloe ferox withstands high temperatures and in turn is also able to withstand cold temperatures.

The soil should be somewhat acidic . If it is alkaline, try adding organic matter to improve the properties of the soil.

IRRIGATION WAY

It is a desert plant and has the mechanisms to survive without problems in it. Its thick leaves accumulate liquids to stay alive in winter without any watering. Nothing but the rain can survive without problems.

In summer , on the other hand, if it is necessary that we apply some irrigation. When the soil begins to dry out, we will apply a not very abundant watering on the Aloe ferox , and we will repeat when the soil dries up again. Little by little, with the end of the summer heat and the arrival of winter, we will reduce the amount and frequency of irrigation until it is completely eliminated in the cold season.

IS IT NECESSARY TO PAY?

Although in some information they mention that it is not necessary to fertilize it, however, in the growing season it is convenient to fertilize with compost or manure, especially in the flowering season. Normally, Aloe ferox  usually grows in rustic and wild areas, but that does not mean that the incorporation of organic matter is not going to benefit it.

THE MULTIPLICATION

Normally this plant multiplies through seeds . By means of this method variations of the mother plant will be produced (genetic mixture of two plants). To do this, we select the seeds and sow them in a tray with good drainage and  substrate , covering the seeds with sand.

When the seeds begin to germinate, you must continue to maintain constant humidity but without overdoing it, since the seeds could rot. Once they have reached enough size for transplantation (approximately 4 cm), we transfer the small Aloe ferox seedlings to pots indoors. This whole process will take no more and no less than 6 months .

CULTURAL USES

Aloe ferox has been widely cultivated for its medicinal properties . The juice from the leaves has been used for many years to make cosmetic products. In addition, as we already mentioned in Aloe vera, it is also used for its healing properties to treat wounds and burns.

As you can see, due to its inflorescence and its slow growth, it makes Aloe ferox  an “exclusive” plant.

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