Saving the Endangered Spiral Aloe Plant: How to Grow and Care

The spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla) is a beautiful and rare succulent currently facing extinction. It’s a highly sought-after evergreen plant known for its spiral growth habit. With its enchanting compact rosette, this aloe has become the dream of every houseplant lover.

Besides being ornamental, Spiral aloe is commonly used for ‘muthi’ (traditional medicine in Southern Africa). This has resulted in overharvesting which has threatened its survival in the wild. To make matters worse, this succulent is notoriously difficult to grow in cultivation.

Plants removed from their natural habitat hardly survive over a few years. So, knowing how to plant and care for spiral aloe could help in saving it from extinction. Before we get to that, let’s look at a few things about this many-leaved aloe plant.

A little about Spiral aloe plant

The most striking feature of this plant is its distinctive arrangement of the leaves. They grow into five spiral rows forming a delightful rosette. The succulent does not seem to have a stem but it grows into dense clumps. The fleshy, broad, serrated, gray-green leaves have purplish-brown sharp tips. 

This plant flowers at the beginning of summer with colorful flowers that range from red to salmon pink and occasionally yellow. Over time, the blooms mature into seeds which helps in the natural regeneration of the plant as it does not often produce pups or suckers.

Distribution and habitat

Spiral aloe is native to the Mountains of Lesotho and does not naturally occur anywhere else. It grows more on the east-facing slopes of the high-altitude grassland, between 2000 and 2500 meters – sometimes higher. The climate is cool during summer and the plants are under snow during winter.

In South Africa, Aloe polyphylla is a protected species. It is a criminal offense to remove plants or their seeds from their natural habitat or to buy plants from roadside vendors. The numbers of this plant have diminished in the wild and it is now listed as endangered.

Plant type	Evergreen perennial succulent
Botanical name	Aloe polyphylla
Plant height	1-2 feet
Sun exposure	Full sun to partial sun
Soil type	Gravelly, well-drained soil
Planting season	Spring or early summer
Temperature	50-80°F
Hardiness zones	7 – 10
Potential problems	Root rot when overwatered
Common pests	Mealybugs, aphids and scale insects

How to grow and care for Spiral aloe plant

Spiral aloe is a great plant for rock gardens, beds and borders, and decorative containers too. In their native habitat, the basalt rock crevices with loose sand aid in keeping water from standing on the roots. When planting you will need a well-drained soil preferably cactus or succulent potting mix..

The succulent has adapted to the cold mountainous climate and can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 7 through 10. Heat can be a problem during summer and it’s best to keep temperature in the range of 50-80°F. Experts recommend a dappled morning sun location.

Aloe polyphylla is a drought tolerant plant. The plant relatively doesn’t ask much other than an occasional sip of water and even less during fall and winter. Overwatering is a serious problem that can cause root rot and other fungal infections.

While this plant isn’t a heavy feeder, it’s important to fertilize once or twice a year with a balanced cactus or succulent fertilizer. If your spiral aloe isn’t receiving enough nutrients, it may have stunted growth or start changing its rich color to pale. 

Propagation

Since spiral aloe doesn’t produce pups explaining why its numbers in the wild are declining. The ideal way of propagation is by stem cuttings, and seed sowing which notoriously take time and great care to germinate. Here’s how each one is done:

Stem cutting

1. Choose a mature, healthy stem from a spiral aloe vera plant. Ensure it’s firm and free from any signs of disease or pests.
2. Using a sterilized knife or pruning shears, cut the stem at a 45-degree angle. This allows for better root development.
3. Let the cut end of the stem dry and form a callus. This helps prevent rot and encourages root growth.
4. Select a small pot with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
5. Gently insert the callused end of the stem into the prepared soil.
6. Place the potted cutting in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
7. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
8. Be patient and avoid disturbing the plant during this time. The cutting can take several weeks or even months to start growing.

Propagation by seed

Propagating spiral aloe by seed can be a rewarding process of regenerating this unique succulent. However, it’s important to note that this method requires patience, attention to detail, and the right growth conditions. 

Spiral aloe vera seeds germinate best in warm temperatures around 70-80°F (21-27°C). Some growers recommend soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat. There is also no guarantee that all the sown seeds will germinate.

Here are the steps:

1. Obtain viable spiral aloe vera seeds from a reputable source. Ensure they are not expired or damaged.
2. Get a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
3. Fill small pots or seed trays with the prepared soil.
4. Gently press the seeds onto the soil surface. Do not cover them deeply, as they require light to germinate.
5. Mist the soil lightly to keep it moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to fungal diseases.
6. Place the containers in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
7. Be patient as germination can take several weeks or even months.
8. As the seedlings grow, repot them into individual pots with a well-draining potting mix.

Diseases and problems

Root rot is a major concern when growing Aloe polyphylla. This problem is often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Symptoms include soft, mushy roots, yellowing leaves, and a foul odor. It is a difficult condition to deal with but easy to prevent.

Ensure your potting mix is well-draining and avoid overwatering. The pot you use for growing must have drainage holes where excess water can escape through. If your plant is affected, remove the damaged roots, repot it into fresh soil, and reduce watering.

Pests like mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves as they suck sap from the plant. If detected, use neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat. If they are just a few, remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Final thought

Spiral aloe is a gem to have in your garden. This plant isn’t just unique but beautiful and highly sought after. Unfortunately, its numbers in the wild have kept dwindling. So, it’s a great initiative if you know how to grow and care for it as it’s the only way we can save it from extinction.