Aloe Species, Spiral Aloe

Aloe polyphylla

Family
Asphodelaceae (as-foh-del-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Aloe (AL-oh)
Species
polyphylla (pol-ee-FIL-uh)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Red
Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Bronze
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Suitable for growing in containers
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; germinate in vitro in gelatin, agar or other medium
Seed Collecting
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Brentwood, California

Cambria, California

Clayton, California

Hayward, California(2 reports)

Huntington Beach, California

Long Beach, California

Mission Viejo, California

Pleasant Hill, California

San Francisco, California

San Leandro, California

Spring Valley, California

Vista, California(9 reports)

Kissimmee, Florida

Kurtistown, Hawaii

Mamaroneck, New York

Apex, North Carolina

Port Orford, Oregon

Fort Mill, South Carolina

Conroe, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

6
positives
4
neutrals
1
negative
Sort By:
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K
K
Hayward, CA | August 2016 | negative

The bottom leaves look like they are drying out. I don't want to water too much, but I'm watering every few days. I've tried extending ...Read More

N
Portland, OR (Zone 8b) | July 2016 | neutral

Failed. I failed at this plant.
I can grow many exotic plants out of their zones but I failed with this Aloe...I They had a warni...Read More

L
| February 2016 | positive

I live in hot sands foxton in new zealand, i got my spiral aloe 14 months ago a lady was giving it away , it's probably a 3 ft diameter ...Read More

S
| April 2015 | neutral

Hi there,
I purchased 5 Spiral Aloe seeds from a seller and have tried to germinate, one seed in 50/50 soil and pearlite with rive...Read More

L
| January 2011 | positive

Spiral Aloes like to be ignored, they grow in decomposed Sandstone. Water once every two weeks and never fertilize because if they grow ...Read More

B
Hayward, CA | March 2010 | neutral

I have been told by those who propagate this plant from seed at U.C.Berkeley that the key to growing it is to always grow it on a slope o...Read More

B
Monticello, GA | February 2010 | positive

My daughter has the spiral aloe in her garden and I would love to start one,but I don't know how to. I don't want to ruin the spiral of t...Read More

B
| September 2008 | positive

Though beautiful, I agree with palmbob about this plant- its a bit of a diva, being super-thirsty and fussy about light levels.
...Read More

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | December 2006 | positive

This is one of the most ornamental aloes, but in my climate in southern California, it is one of the hardest to keep alive. It hates the...Read More

H
Northern California, CA | March 2005 | positive

Spiral Aloe is a stemless plant with leaves that spiral.. A 2 year old plant will have 35-45 leaves. Mature plant will have 5 rows of l...Read More

S
| January 2005 | neutral

this plant requires a minimum temperature of 50°F

The leaves of this stemless Aloe are purple-tipped with white teeth.

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