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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Aloeaceae (Aloes) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Red |
| Bloomtime: Winter/Spring |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Aloe striata (Coral Aloe) – A beautiful succulent to about 18 inches tall by 2 feet wide with rosettes of a few flat broad pale gray-green leaves that vary in color depending on the amount of sunlight; in hot full sun the foliage is pinkish and in more shaded spots they are often bluish-green. The leaves have notable dark narrow lines running longitudinally (though more pronounced on the ssp. karasbergensis) and toothless pale reddish nearly transparent leaf margins. In late winter into early spring emerge up to three 2 foot tall stems that branch and hold clusters of coral-red flowers. This plant is often sold as a solitary plant but will slowly produce new rosettes at the base to form a cluster. Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil and irrigate little to regularly – though quite tolerant of dry conditions, a plumper plant can be obtained with regular to occasional irrigation so long as soil drains well. Hardy to 20 to 25 degrees F. Plant in groups or us as a solitary specimen in the ground or in a large container. Aloe striata is widely distributed in the dry areas of the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa, growing from 800 to 7,300 feet in elevation. The specific epithet 'striata' is from the Latin adjective 'striatum' (strio) meaning "grooved" or "striped," in reference to the longitudinal stripes of the leaves. Be wary of imposters - much of what is sold as Aloe striata in the nursery trade is actually a garden hybrid that has teeth along the leaf margins - for more information on this see our page on Aloe striata hybrid. We have grown Aloe striata since 1982 and our plants are grown from well maintained and isolated stock plants that yield seed of consistently uniform and true type plants of Aloe striata. We also grow the very attractive Aloe striata ssp. karasbergensis and Aloe buhrii is also another species that is similar and sometimes confused with this species.
This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Aloe striata.
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