Aloe striata is widely distributed over the dry areas of the Eastern and Western Cape Province, growing from 800 to 7,300 feet in elevation. It favours sandy and stony soils, and is common on rocky hillsides, arid areas near the coast, and in the drier inland Karoo areas.

The smooth silvery, to greyish-green leaves are flat and broad, but curved upwards at their edges, giving them a boat-like shape. They are marked with conspicuous dark green stripes running down the length of the foliage and are also are spineless, with attractive reddish edges that glow when the sun shines through them, making this aloe unmistakeable and easy it identify. The specific epithet 'striata' is from the Latin 'striatum' (strio) meaning grooved or striped, in reference to the longitudinal lines on the leaves of this species.

The coral aloe is fast growing, developing from a small nursery plant to a mature flowering specimen in just two years. The plant grows almost always as a single, stemless rosette, usually about 46cm tall and 61cm wide; but at maturity, and under optimal growing conditions it can spread wider, and fully mature specimens may also occasionally develop a short trunk.

Aloe striata Calitzdorp Wastern Cape Picture courtesy Martin Heigan from flickrFrom winter to mid-spring, tall, many-branched inflorescences of attractive coral-red flowers appear and blooming can last for up to three months. The flowering stems can reach 50 to 60cm tall, and, as with most aloes, the plants provide nectar during the winter months when food is scarce for our beautiful sunbirds and other nectar eating birds, the nectar also attracts insect pollinators, and therefore insect eating birds.  

In the Garden:

The coral aloe is a popular and most rewarding garden plant that provides structure to the landscape when not in bloom, and is absolutely stunning when it does flower. It is easy to cultivate under a wide variety of climatic conditions, thriving in full sun or light shade.

It can be planted near walkways and swimming pools as it has no teeth or spines, and the roots are non-invasive. If planted in groups of three or more in the garden it makes a dramatic statement, but is just as lovely as a solitary specimen plant, and because it also thrives in large pots, this aloe is perfect for gardens large and small.

Use it in dry beds and borders, on rocky slopes, or to add valuable structure in succulent and cactus gardens. It is also very effective as a contrast to low-growing ornamental grasses, and a wonderful addition to all wildlife gardens.

Aloe striata and Malachite Sunbird Picture courtesy Bernard DUPONT from flickr Cultivation/Propagation:

The coral aloe is easy to cultivate under a wide range of climatic conditions, and although it thrives in full sun, it will also take some shade. It is most important to provide very well-drained soil, and although it can survive prolonged drought, in the garden it will look at its best if it can be watered moderately during long, hot and dry spells. Because the flowers require cool winter temperatures to initiate flower development, it may not bloom well in hot climates where winters are mild.

Because it tolerates both drought and wind, it is a good coastal plant, but it also does very well on the Highveld and is very hardy to temperatures as low as -1.1 to -3.9°C, but the flowers may be damaged by severe frost. In very cold regions, keep it on the dry side in winter.

The coral aloe is very low maintenance and does not need much feeding – simply mulching the soil around the roots in autumn and spring with kraal manure or compost will give it all the nutrients it needs to look good all year round. It also requires no pruning besides the removal of the spent flower stalks as required.

The best way of propagation is by fresh seed which germinates easily if sown in well-drained soil, and covered lightly with fine sand. The best soil germination temperature is 18°C. Seedlings grown from seed develop quickly, reaching flowering size in three to four years.

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

Although healthy aloe specimens don't fall prey to as many pests and disease as stressed plants do, this species can succumb to white scale and aloe rust, and in sheltered gardens watch out for mealybugs. As with most Aloe species, it is subject to attack by snout beetles.

These maladies are best treated symptomatically when they occur and your local garden centre should be able to give advice on products suitable for your particular situation.

In very dry conditions the entire plant may turn a dusty pink which is attractive but also means that the plant is under stress, making it more susceptible to attack by pests or diseases.

Members can click here to read a more in-depth article on aloe problems, pests & diseases

Warning:

Although aloe gel is generally safe and can be effective in treating skin conditions such as burns and psoriasis, a small number of people have an allergic reaction to aloe, which can be dangerous.

Avoid using aloe latex orally, as if you swallow it, you will likely have diarrhoea. Its level of toxicity is mild to moderate for cats and dogs, and if they chew on the leaves, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, depression, anorexia, tremors, and a change in urine colour may occur.

Always supervise small children and pets in the garden, and dissuade them from chewing on plant material.