Photo of Aloe lutescens flower by The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Photo by The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Aloe lutescens

Also Known As

  • Aloe cryptopoda var. lutescens
  • Malapati Aloe

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 1'-2'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 9b-12

More Options

Aloe lutescens plant details

Aloe lutescens is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In summer red and yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aloe lutescens

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: red and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, rock garden, xeric, year-round-interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aloe lutescens

USDA Zones: 9b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Light Shade. Indoor/ Outdoor . Red & Yellow.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Aloe lutescens is a species from the far north of South Africa, just south of the Limpopo River, which forms the boundary with Zimbabwe. It is a close relative of Aloe cryptopoda and Aloe wickensii, considered by some botanists to be variants of the same species although they were originally described separately. Both are also present in the garden, and they are somewhat larger plants and don’t offset as much as A. lutescens, which has formed an impressive clump over the years. Aloe lutescens has narrow steeple-like racemes of flowers, typically with 2 side branches on either side of the central stalk. The buds are bright red, while the open flowers turn pale yellow, giving the racemes a striking bi-colored effect. This color combination is much like that found in A. wickensii, though it usually displays a shade of red that is not so bright and its racemes are normally not as narrow and pointy as those of A. lutescens. By contrast, A. cryptopoda typically has all-red racemes. Like many other Aloes, A. lutescens is adapted to pollination by sunbirds, which perch on the flower-stalk just below the raceme and use their long bills to probe the tubular flowers for the clear, sweet nectar within— and pollinate the flowers in the process. Here in California, hummingbirds are more than happy to take advantage of this nectar production, and are able to insert their bills and drink up while flying in place. Aloe lutescens is located on the south edge of bed E, right at the middle. During the winter months, it and its neighbors are covered by a large plastic protective frame whose edge alongside the path can be raised for viewing the plants within. Aloe wickensii is at the north end of bed 9, at the base of the large Eucalyptus cephalocarpa. It has its own 6-foot-square cover and is also in flower now. Aloe cryptopoda is located on the east side of bed A, against the fence surrounding the Agave garden. It flowers earlier, and is almost finished now.

Gardening facts about Aloe lutescens plant

How to Grow Aloe lutescens

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
    • yellow
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Texture

    • glaucous
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved