PlantFiles: Spiral Aloe
Aloe polyphylla

This is one of the most ornamental aloes, but in my climate in southern California, it is one of the hardest to keep alive. It hates the heat and will usually perish if not kept moist and cool in summers (need a cool place indoors maybe?). Have lost several despite all efforts. I know some grow this along the coast down here well, but seems much happier in northern California.

Spiral Aloe is a stemless plant with leaves that spiral.. A 2 year old plant will have 35-45 leaves. Mature plant will have 5 rows of leaves twisting either left or right. This is a hardy Aloe which at about 5 years of age will have approximately 150 leaves.

Needs perfect drainage and and lots of bright light. Full sun to light shade. 9b-11 This is a tough Aloe from high elevations of 7000 - 8000' that can withstand colder temps than most Aloes. Protect from frost and overly wet conditions. A. polyphylla is the only alpine member of the Genus.

this plant requires a minimum temperature of 50°F

The leaves of this stemless Aloe are purple-tipped with white teeth.