Aloe plicatilis (Fan Aloe)

Aloe plicatilis, commonly known as Fan Aloe, is a unique shrub-like succulent native to South Africa. This striking plant features fleshy, fan-shaped leaves and can grow up to 5 feet tall. It’s also deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for outdoor gardens in deer-populated areas. In this blog post, I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you care for your succulent, propagate, and maintain the health of your Aloe plicatilis.

How to Care for Aloe plicatilis

Light Requirements

Fan Aloe flourishes in environments with bright, indirect sunlight. To ensure optimal growth, place your plant near an east or west-facing window, where it can receive at least six hours of indirect sunlight daily. If you’re growing Aloe plicatilis outdoors, choose a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade to shield it from the most intense sunlight. Too much direct sun can cause the leaves to turn yellow and develop sunburn marks. If you notice these signs, gradually move your plant to a shadier location. Keep in mind that inadequate light may cause the plant to become leggy and have weak growth, so it’s essential to find the right balance for your Fan Aloe.

Summary

Fan Aloe needs bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. Place it near an east or west-facing window or in an outdoor location with morning sun and afternoon shade. Balance light exposure to prevent sunburn or leggy growth.

Watering Aloe plicatilis

To water your Aloe plicatilis properly, thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the container, then allow the soil to dry out entirely before watering again. The frequency of watering depends on the season and your local climate. During the growing season, it’s common to water every 2-3 weeks. However, in the dormant period, you can reduce watering to once a month or even less, depending on the temperature and humidity. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so always check the soil moisture before watering. Using your finger or a moisture meter, ensure the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry before giving your plant a drink.

Summary

Use the “soak and dry” method, watering every 2-3 weeks during growing season and reducing frequency in the dormant period. Prevent root rot by checking soil moisture and allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry before watering.

Soil Needs

A well-draining soil mix is crucial to the health of your Fan Aloe. To create a suitable mix, combine equal parts cactus mix and perlite or pumice. These materials improve aeration and drainage, helping the plant avoid waterlogged conditions that can cause root rot. You can also add a small amount of coarse sand to further enhance drainage. If you prefer using a commercial succulent soil mix, make sure to amend it with additional perlite or pumice to optimize drainage. When potting your Aloe plicatilis, select a container with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing water buildup in the soil.

Summary

A well-draining soil mix is essential for Fan Aloe. Combine equal parts cactus mix and perlite or pumice. Add coarse sand for improved drainage. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water buildup.

Temperature and Humidity

Aloe plicatilis is adapted to a wide range of temperatures, from 40°F to 90°F (4°C-32°C). However, it is not frost-tolerant, so when temperatures drop below freezing, it’s essential to protect your plant. If your Fan Aloe is in a container, move it to a sheltered location, such as a garage, sunroom, or indoors near a sunny window. For plants in the ground, cover them with frost cloth, burlap, or a similar material to shield them from cold temperatures. As for humidity, Aloe plicatilis prefers low humidity environments but can adapt to higher humidity levels if proper air circulation is maintained. In areas with high humidity, increase air circulation by placing a fan near your plant or spacing plants further apart to prevent fungal issues.

Summary

Aloe plicatilis tolerates temperatures between 40°F-90°F (4°C-32°C) but needs protection from frost. In high humidity, maintain proper air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

How to Propagate Aloe plicatilis

Stem Cuttings

Propagating Aloe plicatilis through stem cuttings is an effective method to multiply your plant. Begin by selecting a healthy, mature stem with at least 4-6 inches in length. Using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears, make a diagonal cut to minimize the exposed surface area. Before planting the cutting, allow it to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 3-5 days. This process encourages callus formation, which helps prevent infections and rot. Once the callus forms, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix with the callused end buried about an inch deep. Water sparingly initially, then gradually increase watering as roots develop, usually within 3-4 weeks. Ensure the cutting receives bright, indirect light during the rooting process.

Summary

Propagate Aloe plicatilis by selecting a healthy stem, making a diagonal cut, and allowing it to callus. Plant in well-draining soil and water sparingly, increasing as roots develop.

Offsets

Aloe plicatilis will sometimes produce offsets, or “pups,” which are smaller plants that emerge from the base of the mother plant. To propagate using offsets, wait until the pup is at least one-third the size of the mother plant. Carefully remove it by gently wiggling it away from the mother or using a clean, sharp knife to cut the connecting root. Let the offset dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 1-2 days to allow the cut surface to callus. Plant the offset in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the base is slightly above the soil surface. Water the pup lightly at first, gradually increasing the frequency as roots establish.

Summary

Propagate using pups one-third the size of the mother plant. Remove gently, allow to callus, and plant in well-draining soil. Gradually increase watering as roots establish.

Fertilizing Your Aloe plicatilis

Fan Aloe generally requires minimal fertilization to thrive. However, providing your plant with extra nutrients can encourage healthy growth. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half-strength once during the spring and once during the summer. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as excessive nutrients can cause weak, leggy growth and increase the plant’s vulnerability to pests and diseases. If your Fan Aloe is planted in a rich soil mix, it may not require additional fertilization. Observe your plant’s growth and adjust fertilization accordingly.

Summary

Fan Aloe requires minimal fertilization. Apply balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength twice a year. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent weak growth and pest vulnerability.

Common Pests and Diseases

Aloe plicatilis is generally resistant to pests but may occasionally be affected by mealybugs, scale insects, or aphids. Mealybugs appear as cottony white masses on leaves and stems, while scale insects look like small, flat, brown or white bumps. Aphids are small, green or black insects that cluster on new growth. To treat infestations, first try manually removing pests with a soft brush or cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. If needed, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Prevent root rot by using a well-draining soil mix and watering appropriately. Fungal diseases can be avoided by maintaining proper air circulation and keeping leaves dry during watering. If you notice any signs of fungal infection, treat your plant with a suitable fungicide and address the underlying issue.

Summary

Aloe plicatilis can be affected by mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. Treat with manual removal, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Prevent root rot and fungal diseases with proper care.

Where to Buy

You can buy Fan Aloe from Etsy