How to care for and propagate Aloe plicatilis Fan AloeAloe plicatilis Fan Aloe care and propagation informationPin

Aloe plicatilis

Fan Aloe

Posted by: Cassidy Tuttle | Updated:

This beautiful tree Aloe grows tall, with a gray trunk that supports many forked branches. Clusters of fan-shaped blue-green leaves grow on each branch, giving this succulent its name. The leaves are oblong, growing upwards. As the old, lower leaves die, they fall off the branches, exposing more of the trunk. Watch for red flowers in the Spring.

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Quick Look:

  • Full sun

  • Typical water needs for a succulent

  • Plant grows up to 8′ (2.4 m) tall
    Plant grows up to 6′ (1.8 m) wide

  • Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)

  • Not cold hardy

  • Propagation by stem cuttings and seeds

  • Not generally toxic

  • Summer Dormant
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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Aloe plicatilis “Fan Aloe”

Aloe plicatilis “Fan Aloe” is a deer-resistant Aloe tree whose flowers attract hummingbirds. The name “plicatilis” means “foldable,” referring to the fan-shaped leaves of this succulent. The trunk of “Fan Aloe” is fire resistant, making it a great addition to xeriscaped gardens.

Watering

Aloe plicatilis “Fan Aloe” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water sparingly in the Summer.

Where to Plant

“Fan Aloe” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20° F (-6.7° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors and placed under a grow light in the winter. Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day.

Additional Information

Aloe plicatilis is synonymous with Kumara plicatilis. It has been proposed that “Fan Aloe” no longer be classified as an Aloe, but rather a member of the Kumara genus. It has also been suggested that it be added to the tree Aloe genus Aloiampelos.

How to Propagate Aloe plicatilis “Fan Aloe”

Aloe plicatilis “Fan Aloe” can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds, although you may experience the best success with stem cuttings.

Cuttings

To grow “Fan Aloe” from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or garden shears. Remove a stem or branch from the main tree, and allow it to callous for several days before placing in well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.

Seeds

Aloe plicatilis “Fan Aloe” can be propagated from the seeds of its fruit, although this is not recommended as it's such a slow grower. Sow your seeds in a well-draining soil. You can grow “Fan Aloe” seeds outdoors if you live in an zone above 9a. If you live in a cooler area, you can begin sowing indoors under a grow light or on a seed mat.

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