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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

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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

Garden photo gallery of Aloe melanacantha

Photo of Aloe melanacantha foliage by plant lust

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By: plant lust

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Photo of Aloe melanacantha form by Andrew massyn

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By: Andrew massyn

This work has been released into the public domain' by its author, I, Andrew massyn'. This applies worldwide. In some countries this may not be legally possible; if so: I, Andrew massyn grants anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.

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Photo of Aloe melanacantha foliage by Karl Gercens III

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By: Karl Gercens III

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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