Aristaloe aristata

Common Names

Lace Aloe, Guinea-Fowl Aloe, Torch Plant

Summary

Lace Aloe, also known as Guinea-fowl Aloe or Torch Plant, is native to South Africa and Lesotho. It is a compact, stemless rosette-forming succulent with dark green leaves speckled white, white bumps along the margins, and lace-like edges with soft spines at the tips; rosettes reach up to 8 inches tall and wide, with tubular orange-red flowers on summer panicles up to 20 inches tall.

Cultivation favors bright light from full sun to partial shade, and very well-draining cactus/succulent soil. Water via soak-and-dry, allowing the top layer to dry between deep waters; tolerate indoor temperatures around 65–75°F (18–24°C) with brief dips, not below freezing. Fertilize lightly during the growing season; repot every 2–3 years; propagate by offsets or seeds; hardiness zones 7–12 with tolerance to mild frost; not toxic to people or pets; uses include indoor decor, borders, rock gardens, xeriscapes, and containers.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-12 inches

Spread

1-2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining sandy or gritty soil, cactus/succulent potting mix

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Bloom Color

Orange-red

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division (offsets/pups), Leaf cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Other pollinators, Birds