Species aloe
Lance-shaped green leaves in swirling patterns having bright orange thorns.

aloe

Aloe harlana

Aloe harlana, also known as the yellow-flowering barbed aloe, is a plant species that is simply remarkable. It has a remarkable longevity and ability to thrive in arid regions, making it a great choice for those looking for a minimal maintenance houseplant. Its bright yellow flowers are composed of hundreds of wispy petals, giving an almost ethereal ambiance to any room it’s placed in. The leaves of an aloe harlana are thick yet supple and provide powerful medicinal properties, as well as being an effective deterrent against pests. All in all, the Aloe harlana is an easy-to-care for plant with a multitude of benefits that make it a must-have in any home.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Offsets,Leaf Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 11

Flowers:

Red to orange Flowers

Sun:

part shade,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Watering a Aloe harlana plant should be done only when the soil has dried out from the previous watering. It should be watered deeply but infrequently - about once a month, and no more than every 2 weeks. When watering an aloe plant, use enough water to saturate the soil, but avoid overwatering it. You can check the soil with the back of your finger to make sure it is completely dry before you water it again.

sunlight

Aloe harlana needs bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. Place the aloe in an east or a west-facing window for optimal growth. For best results, provide 6-8 hours of bright sunlight daily. On bright, hot summer days, provide some shade by partially drawing a window curtain. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves. During the winter, the plant may not need direct sunlight due to a decreased intensity of the sun. Keep in mind that all Aloe species need some light to thrive, so a lack of light can cause the plant to become weak and may lead to stunted growth.

pruning

Pruning of Aloe harlana should be done at least once a year, preferably in the spring when the weather begins to warm up. Pruning should be limited to removing any dead or diseased leaves and tidying up the plant's overall appearance. A hard pruning should only be done if you are replacing an older plant and need to reduce its size. If you do choose to hard prune, limit it to no more than 1-third of the plant's total height.

Season

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

Aloe harlana typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Aloe harlana typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Aloe Vera a succulent plant?

Yes, Aloe Vera is a type of succulent plant, meaning that it can hold large amounts of water in its leaves. Aloe Vera is one of the most popular succulent species, prized for its therapeutic properties and its low maintenance requirements. In addition to being a drought-tolerant plant, Aloe Vera is also highly resistant to pests and is easy to propagate.

Are Aloe Vera leaves used for medicinal purposes?

Yes, Aloe Vera leaves are used for medicinal purposes. The clear gel found inside the leaves has many healing properties and is commonly used to treat skin injuries, burns, cuts and other skin conditions. It is also known to provide relief from inflammation and can be used to soothe sunburns and eczema. Aloe Vera juice is also said to be helpful in aiding digestion, improving oral health and reducing blood sugar levels.

Can Aloe Vera grow well indoors?

Yes, Aloe Vera can certainly grow well indoors. In fact, it is an excellent choice for an indoor houseplant owing to its natural ability to thrive in places with limited light and its very low watering needs. Aloe Vera should receive bright light with at least 4 hours of indirect sunlight every day. It should be watered deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch (roughly every 2-3 days). It also prefers soil that has good drainage, so use a cactus/succulent potting mix. With just a little care, Aloe Vera can become a beautiful, easy to care for indoor plant.

Could Aloe Vera help soothe sunburns?

Yes, Aloe Vera can be an effective way to soothe sunburns. This is because it has anti-inflammatory qualities that work to reduce redness and swelling. It also contains substances that help protect the skin and promote healing. Applying a thin layer of Aloe Vera directly to the sunburn helps cool and enhance the skin's natural repair process. Additionally, it helps to replace moisture that has been lost due to sun exposure. Since Aloe Vera is all-natural, it can be an excellent home remedy for treating sunburns.

Should Aloe Vera be watered frequently?

Yes, Aloe Vera should be watered frequently. Aloe Vera plants prefer soil that is slightly dry and should receive regular watering whenever the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil become dry. Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Allow the plant's soil to dry out before watering it again. Overwatering can be harmful, so it is important to make sure not to water your Aloe Vera too often. Additionally, it’s beneficial to mist the Aloe Vera's leaves with water during hot, dry periods.

Do Aloe Vera plants need a lot of sunlight?

Aloe vera plants require a moderate amount of direct sunlight. Depending on the variety, many species of aloe vera can thrive in either a sunny spot or partial shade. When it comes to sunlight, you don't want to overdo it! Exposing these plants to too much direct sunlight can damage their leaves. Ideally, these plants should receive 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight.