We’re all crazy about succulents and cactuses, but what about aloe? It’s a plant that’s often overlooked and totally underrated. The standard green stuff is not only unique looking but also really useful (hello, sunburn treatment!) but I bet you didn’t know that red aloe exists and that it almost looks like exploding fireworks! Well, it does and now I want some in my garden ASAP.
- Red aloe is native to Africa. Officially known as Aloe cameronii, red aloe plants are a type of succulent native to Malawi and Zimbabwe in Africa. It’s an evergreen succulent, meaning it blooms throughout the year.
- You won’t be able to keep this plant indoors. While several aloe varieties would do just fine as houseplants, red aloe needs to be kept outdoors only. Why’s that? Well, because of their size! They can grow up to two feet high and four feet wide, so this isn’t the kind of thing you want in your living room.
- The leaves of the red aloe plant can vary in color. The leaves can be anywhere from green to a super bright, intense red. Sometimes one color fades into another in a beautiful ombre that’s just amazing to see.
- Like other succulents, they’re very easy to care for. If you do manage to plant some red aloe in your garden, you’ll be glad to know what you won’t have to do much to keep it thriving. It doesn’t need to be watered very often at all. However, you should make sure it’s planted in well-drained soil and that it gets either full sun or very light shade. If all those conditions are in place, your red aloe will do just fine.
- While it’s not the easiest plant to get a hold of, you should be able to get your own red aloe plant (or at least the seeds) easily enough. Keep an eye out at your local garden centers or nurseries or, if that fails, you can always buy some online. It will be worth it!
