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    Aloe melanacantha

    Also Known As

    • Black Spined Aloe

    Plant type

    cactus / succulent

    size

    • H: 20"-27"
    • W: 40"-60"

    planting zones

    • 9b-12

    More Options

    Aloe melanacantha plant details

    Aloe melanacantha is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. In winter red and yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter, dry when dormant. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in clay, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Aloe melanacantha

    Plant type: cactus / succulent
    Plant family: asparagaceae, asphodelaceae
    Foliage: evergreen blue and green
    Mature size: 40 IN - 60 IN - wide, 20 IN - 27 IN - tall
    Flowers: red and yellow blooms in winter
    Uses: container plant, houseplant, rock garden, rosette-forming, spiky, xeric, year round interest

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Aloe melanacantha

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

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    Particularly prickly! Aloe melanacantha gets its name from its profusion of pigmented pokeys. “Melas”, Greek for “black” & “akanthos” meaning thorns. It’s not persnickety, requiring little water or care, but it is a wee bit slow, as its ultimate proportions are compact - approximately 1’ x 1’ with a rounded form. Take care to under rather than over water this precious ball o’ thorns, as too much Winter wet will leave it prone to rot. Blooming spikes are simple, as opposed to branched, top out around 3’ & are populated with protruding coral red blooms that fade to yellow. Like most Aloes, it’s from South Africa. Partial to pots & well drained soils.

    By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Gardening facts about Aloe melanacantha plant

    How to Grow Aloe melanacantha

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly sun

    • Water Needs

      • occasional - drought tolerant

    • Water Needs

      • dry in winter

    • Water Needs

      • dry when dormant

    • Soil Needs

      • clay
      • adaptable
      • well-drained
      • gritty

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant
      • verticillium wilt resistant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green
      • blue

    • Flower Color

      • red
      • yellow

    • Wildlife

      • beneficial insects
      • hummingbirds
      • deer resistant
      • rabbit resistant

    • Flower Season

      • winter

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen

    • Texture

      • glaucous

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