Aloe fire-poker/candelabra aloe (Mandurah)

Aloe arborescens, commonly known as fire-poker aloe or the candelabra aloe, is a great plant to fill areas which are in full-sun, sandy soil. It requires nearly no real upkeep and spreads on its own via new small plants, called suckers, or, “pups”, which grow from the base of the parent plant.

This aloe looks amazing in rock gardens, along the edge of a long driveway, or anywhere you’d like to fill with a basically, no-care plant. Simply dig a hole, drop a piece in, and replace the soil. Water well once and then leave it. Over-watering will kill it. You can spray a bit of Sea-sol or fertiliser to help it get established, but after that maybe only a top-up of the same after the blooms are done.

I have quite a large plant that’s taken over a corner of the patio. Very healthy. The plant blooms in June/July and attracts loads of honey-eater birds. The type of birds you’ll see depends on your area.

To collect: Bring lopping shears and gloves, as most aloe have “teeth” along the length of each leaf.

I recommend a tarp to carry them home-- you cut and lay the branches down and then carry the tarp to your vehicle with little breakage or debris.

Any leaves that break off can also be planted, though have a better chance if individual leaves are babied a bit until they take. Use ½ potting mix & ½ any sand you have. That’s it.

PS: Bunnings, when they have it, charge $15 for a single, small plant!

HNY!