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Soap aloe
Aloe maculata
The bright yellow, red and orange flowers of this species make it an incredible decorative plant in any home garden. Flower times vary and sometimes flowers are even visible in the colder winter months. It requires little watering, which makes it ideal to plant in shallow rock gardens. The sap from the leaves can be used as a replacement for soap, hence the commonly used name of this plant.
Planning
Difficulty
Moderate
Flowering time
Spring, Summer, Winter
Fruiting time
Autumn
Harvesting
Seeds should be allowed to dry for at least 3 months after flowering before they are harvested.
Propagation
Suckers
Remove offsets and replant directly in the desired position in the garden.
Special features
Attracts birds
Sunbirds are attracted by the nectar that is produced by the flowers.
Drought resistant
Requires little watering and can survive for extended periods of time without being watered.
Geography
Origin
South Africa (Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga)
Natural climate
Temperate, mild coastal, but also at cold high altitudes.
Environment
Light
Full Sun
Soil moisture
Dry
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil PH preference
Neutral
Frost hardiness
Half-Hardy
Uses
Household
The sap from the leaves is said to be used by people of various cultures as a substitute for soap.
Ornamental
A useful garden plant with year round interest. Plant in dry flower beds or rockeries.
Personality
Family
Asphodelaceae
Flower colour
, Yellow, Red, Orange
Scent
None
Problems
Generally not affected by pests and diseases.
Companion plants
Along alongside other aloes and succulents.
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