Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe) Aloe arborescens
Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe) (Aloe arborescens) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asphodelaceae family, native to Eastern southern Africa, from the Cape to Malawi and Mozambique. It grows 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Mature height | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern southern Africa, from the Cape to Malawi and Mozambique |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: yellow latex under the leaf skin
Aloe latex (anthraquinones such as aloin) is a strong laxative: it causes vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. The clear inner gel is much milder.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe)
- How far apart should I plant Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe) flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Aloe latex (anthraquinones such as aloin) is a strong laxative: it causes vomiting and diarrhoea in cats and dogs. The clear inner gel is much milder.
- What grows well with Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Krantz aloe (candelabra aloe). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- A many-headed, branching aloe with curved, toothed leaves and tall cones of scarlet flowers in winter, visited by sunbirds. Planted as a living fence around kraals in South Africa, and widely grown in Japan, where it is called kidachi aloe and used as a home remedy.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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