Species torch plant
Green-maroon leaves with red thorns on the edges.

torch plant

Aloe aristata

The torch plant (Aloe aristata) is an amazing succulent that stands out for its unique rosette of saw-toothed, triangular leaves. Its spiky and sculptural appearance provides interesting texture in any garden setting and its subtle tones of light greens and blues offer a subtle hint of color. Best of all, torch plants require minimal maintenance, and if kept dry, they can last an impressive 5-10 years! Plus, these low-water plants are hardy to -5°F, so they can bring an amazing splash of color and vibrancy to the garden even in the coldest of climates.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Offsets,Division,Leaf Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 10

Flowers:

Coral-orange Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Torch plants prefer lightly moist soil, so they should be watered about once every 7 to 10 days. They can tolerate some drying out, so allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. When watering, always water thoroughly so that the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. Be especially careful not to overwater as this can cause root and stem rot. During winter months, when the plant is dormant, reduce your watering to about once a month or less.

sunlight

Torch plants require approximately 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. During the peak of summer, reducing the amount of direct sun exposure may be necessary to prevent the plant from becoming sun-stressed.

pruning

Torch plant, or Aloe aristata, should be pruned 2 to 3 times per year. These should be done in April, June, and September in order to maintain the appeal and health of the plant. Pruning involves cutting off any offshoots, leaves, or other growth that protrudes beyond the desired size of the shrub. This should be done with sharp scissors or sterile pruning shears and can be done as necessary to keep the desired shape. Removing dead leaves or flowers helps to keep the plant looking healthy and reduce the risk of disease. Regular pruning helps to ensure the plant remains healthy and vigorous.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The Aloe aristata, or torch plant, typically begins flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

The Aloe aristata, or torch plant, typically begins flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map