How to Grow and Care for Krantz Aloe

Krantz aloe is an eye-catcher, and not only in the winter when flaming red or orange flowers tower over the plant. It stands out just by its sheer size and sprawling habit, which is large for a flowering succulent. From a thick stem, multiple branches emerge from a stout woody trunk like a candelabra, which gave the plant one of its common names, candelabra aloe. 

The foliage, arranged like rosettes and pointing downwards, is so dense that the trunk is not even visible. Birds, sunbirds, and hummingbirds flock to the flowers to get their nectar. Deer, however, show no interest, probably because its leaves have spikes and sharp edges.

Besides being grown as an ornamental, krantz aloe is also valued for its medicinal properties, and it is sometimes touted as being more effective than aloe vera.

Common Name	Krantz aloe, candelabra aloe, torch aloe, tree aloe, mountain bush aloe
Botanical Name	Aloe arborescens
Family	Asphodelaceae
Plant Type	Shrub
Mature Size	6-9 ft. tall, 6-9 ft. wide
Sun Exposure	Full
Soil Type	Sandy, loamy
Soil pH	Acidic
Bloom Time	Fall, winter
Flower Color	Red, orange
Hardiness Zones	9-11 (USDA)
Native Area	Africa

Krantz Aloe Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a krantz aloe plant:

• Place in a spot with full sun outdoors or bright, indirect light indoors.
• Plant in well-draining soil using a sandy or medium loamy soil mix.
• Let the soil dry out between watering during the growing season in summer, but cut back in winter just enough to keep the soil moist. 
• Feed monthly but stop during the winter months.
  

Light

This is a plant for locations with direct, intense sunlight. The color of the leaves depends on the amount of sunlight the plant gets, ranging from dull green to yellow-green or bluish-green.

Soil

Excellent draining is crucial, which only light and sandy or medium loamy soil can provide. Just like in its native habitat, the plant can grow in nutritionally poor rocky soil.

It is also salt-tolerant and can be planted in coastal areas.

Water

Krantz aloe is well adapted to dry soil and even drought but does not tolerate wet soil. Too much moisture, poor drainage, and standing water can lead to plant death.

When irrigating during the growing season, let the soil dry out between watering. In the winter, if there is no precipitation, water just enough to keep the soil moist. Reduce the amount of water every time you water. In the spring, if there is no rain, gradually restart watering.

Temperature and Humidity

Like many succulents, krantz aloe does not do well in high humidity.

It can tolerate moderate frost with temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer

Krantz aloe does not need much fertilizer. Depending on how rich your garden soil is, it might not need any at all.

Potted plants are different, as the nutrients wash out from frequent watering. Adding a liquid fertilizer about once every month is sufficient. Stop fertilizing during the winter.

Pruning

If you want to encourage more upward, tree-like growth, prune the side shoots. Make sure to wear sturdy, long leather gloves for the job because krantz aloe has spines or sharp edges.

Propagating Krantz Aloe

Rather than growing krantz aloe from seeds, which is lengthy and involved, the easiest and most successful propagation methods of aloe is from suckers or shoots called pups, or from stem or branch cuttings. The steps are pretty much the same as for propagating aloe vera. Here's how to propagate krantz aloe pups, stems, or branches:

Propagation from pups:

In the spring, remove the pups with as many intact roots as possible and transplant them into garden soil or containers. You will need a sterilized, sharp knife, succulent potting mix, and 4-inch pots with drainage holes.

1. Gently remove the mother plant from its pot.
2. Find where the pups are attached to the mother plant and cut off all the pups with a clean, sharp knife. Inspect the pups and cut off any brown roots or dried leaves.
3. Plant each pup by creating a hole with your finger in a pot filled with succulent potting mix and planting the pup in the opening. 
4. Add more soil to the pot making sure the plant’s base is just above the soil line.
5. In the original pot that’s been cleaned, replant the mother plant in fresh, succulent potting mix.
   

Propagation from stems, cuttings, or pups without roots:

Pups that have roots are easier to propagate, but it’s also possible with stem or branch cuttings, which are also removed in the spring. If some of your pups don’t have roots, you can also follow these steps. Here’s how to propagate stems, branches, and rootless pups:

1. With a sharp knife, remove a stem or branch at the base of the mother plant.
2. To heal the wounds created from cutting off the stem or branch, they need to be left to callus over for a day or two before transplanting them into succulent or cactus potting mix. 
3. Place the cuttings on a piece of cardboard or newspaper in a dark, cool, and dry place for 24 to 48 hours. Wait until the spot where they were separated from the mother plant has developed a protective callus and no longer appears wet. 
4. Then pot them as described above for pups.

Potting and Repotting Krantz Aloe

To accommodate the roots, which aren’t deep, use a wide container with holes that ensure good drainage because the plant absolutely dislikes wet feet. To ensure adequate drainage, plant it in commercial cactus or succulent mix rather than regular potting mix.

When grown in containers, the plants need to be watered more frequently than in garden soil. Be careful, however, not to overwater them, and do away with a saucer so the plant does not sit in excess water.

Although krantz aloe is a slow grower, it will eventually outgrow its pot and will need to be repotted.

Overwintering

If your local climate is too cold for planting krantz aloe outdoors, you can also grow it in containers on a patio and bring it indoors for the winter. The best location is a southern or southwest-facing window where it gets plenty of bright, indirect light.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Deer leave krantz aloe alone. As for pests it might be affected by mites, mealybugs, soft scale insects, and aphids.

How to Get Krantz Aloe to Bloom

Bloom Months

Krantz aloe blooms in late fall through early winter, from December to February.

What Do Krantz Aloe Flowers Look and Smell Like?

From the plant's rosettes, two to four stems grow with flowers that are cone-shaped, bright red, or orange. The spiky flowers have no scent. 

Common Problems With Krantz Aloe

Leaves Falling Off

Overwatering krantz aloe can cause leaves to fall off and could be a sign of root rot. Make sure the sandy or medium loamy soil drains well and that the soil dries out between watering.

Leaves Turning Brown

If leaves on a krantz aloe are turning brown, the plant may be getting too much water or too much fertilizer. Only feed krantz aloe monthly and stop feeding in the winter. If the plant is overwatered the leaves can turn yellow to brown and get soft and mushy. Water when the soil dries out during the growing season and cut back on the amount of water during the winter. 

Browning Tips

If a krantz aloe is dehydrated, the plant’s tips may start to brown as water can’t reach the whole plant. Although drought tolerant, succulents still need some water, so make sure to give the plant a drink as soon as the soil dries out.