Chris Buckland
Spiral aloe (also called corkscrew aloe or goosefoot aloe) is a small plant with a big impact. Also known as Aloe dichotoma, spiral aloe is native to South Africa. Its narrow leaves resemble the tip of a corkscrew, which is how it gets its name. They’re often planted in pots and placed on windowsills or sunny decks because of their small size (they usually don’t grow taller than about 14 inches).
But that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth including in your indoor plant collection. In fact, spiral aloe has several features that make it stand out from other plants: Corkscrew plants also have broad appeal for their unique appearance and ease of care. Read on to learn more about growing and caring for spiral aloe, so you can enjoy this fascinating plant at home!
Characteristics Table
| Origin | South Africa |
| Scientific Name | Aloe polyphylla |
| Common Names | Spiral aloe, Kroonaalwyn |
| Type | Perennial succulent |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Temperature | 21°C – 23°C |
| Watering | Regular watering is mandatory during spring and summer |
| Light | Bright Light |
| Toxicity | Toxic for Humans and Pets |
| Propagation | Propagate Aloe from leaves |
| Flowering | Salmon-pink flowers in the springtime |
| Maximum Size | 20-30cm |
What You Need to Know Before You Grow Spiral Aloe
When you’re selecting plants for your collection, keep a few things in mind! First, make sure the plants will grow indoors. Many species of plants are great for outdoor gardens but just can’t survive indoors. First, make sure you select species that are best suited for your climate.
If you’re not sure which plants are best for you, ask a gardening store employee for advice. They’re usually very knowledgeable and happy to help you select great plants for your indoor gardening projects. You should also consider how much light each plant will need.
Spiral aloe requires plenty of light, either from direct sunlight or strong artificial light. If you place it in a shadier spot, it won’t grow as well.
Keep in mind the size of each plant, too. Spiral aloe is a relatively small plant, so you don’t need much space to accommodate it. If you have a large indoor garden, however, you’ll need to make room for it. Finally, look for plants that are easy to maintain. Spiral aloe is a very low-maintenance plant, but some other species might require more work.
Where to Grow Spiral Aloe
Spiral aloe can be grown indoors or outdoors. It thrives in full sun, so it’s best to grow it outdoors if you live in a warm climate. For cooler climates, you can grow spiral aloe indoors.
When grown indoors, spiral aloe should be placed near a south-facing window with direct sunlight. It can also be grown under fluorescent lights.
If you live in a warm climate and want to grow spiral aloe outdoors, it should be planted in a warm, sunny, dry spot. It also does well in sandy soil, which drains well.
Please read this article 7 Indoor Vining Plants to Grow Indoors in Winter to find out how to grow Vining plants indoors in winter.
How to Care for Spiral Aloe
If you’ve never grown spiral aloe before, you may be surprised by how easy it is to care for! This plant prefers warm temperatures, so it thrives in indoor environments.
There are a few other things you can do to help your spiral aloe thrive. First, make sure it has plenty of light. Spiral aloe prefers direct sunlight, but it can also be grown under artificial lights. Spiral aloe also needs adequate moisture, but it shouldn’t be left in standing water.
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, and don’t allow the plant to sit in water. Because spiral aloe needs warm temperatures and ample light, you may need to adjust its environment if the weather changes.
For example, if you leave your spiral aloe outdoors in cold weather, you might need to bring it indoors. Most plants aren’t as adaptable as spiral aloe, so don’t be surprised if yours doesn’t do as well if it isn’t given the right environment.
Repotting Spiral Aloe
You can grow spiral aloe in a wide range of containers, but they should have good drainage. Spiral aloe shouldn’t be planted in a waterlogged pot. When the plant has outgrown its pot, it’s time to repot it. When you repot spiral aloe, you should use a wide and shallow pot. The plant should sit in about two inches of soil, with the roots spread out along the bottom of the pot. You can repot spiral aloe at any time of the year, but it’s usually best to do so in the spring or autumn.
Overall Care for Growing Spiral Aloe
Spiral aloe requires very little extra care, as long as you provide it with the right environment. Here are a few things you can do to help your plant thrive.
- Keep the plant warm. Spiral aloe grows best in warm environments, between 70 and 80 degrees F. If you live in a cooler climate and can’t warm the plant up naturally, you can use grow lights to keep it warm.
- Plenty of water, but not too much. Spiral aloe should be watered when the soil feels dry. Don’t allow the plant to sit in standing water, and don’t water it too often.
FAQs
Is spiral aloe hard to grow?
Yes, spiral aloe is hard to grow. If you do not provide it with the conditions it requires, it is likely to perish. Spiral aloe requires very high humidity and needs to be grown outdoors in order to receive adequate sunlight. It also requires ample water, which can be difficult to provide if the plant is outdoors. In addition, this plant requires loose, well-draining soil that does not stay soggy for long periods of time. If the soil remains soggy for too long, the roots of the spiral aloe will rot.
Can spiral aloe be grown indoors?
Yes, spiral aloe can be grown indoors, as long as you have a sunny window and plenty of bright light. The plant should be kept in a well-drained, soil-free mix. Do not overwater the plant. If it starts to look sad, give it a quick soaking.
How long does a Spiral Aloe take to grow?
The answer depends on the species of Aloe, how you are caring for it and the conditions it is in. A healthy Aloe can grow anywhere from 6-12 months.
A Spiral Aloe is a type of Aloe that has a unique growth pattern. The leaves grow upwards instead of outwards like other Aloes. Depending on the species, this can make for dramatic-looking plants. With a little care, these plants can be very easy to grow and maintain.
If you are new to growing Aloe, it’s best to start with the one that is easy to care for. Then once you are familiar with its growing requirements, you can try something more challenging.
Conclusion
Spiral aloe is a fascinating plant with attractive leaves and flowers. It grows best in warm environments, so it’s a great option for southern gardens.
When you’re growing spiral aloe, make sure you provide it with plenty of sunlight. Spiral aloe also prefers sandy soil and warm temperatures.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant that thrives in warm climates, spiral aloe is a great option!
