Aloe Squarrosa Growing and Care

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When someone mentions aloe, it’s not uncommon for the immediate image to be aloe vera.

However, there are more than 550 different species of aloe out there, some of which are common and some endangered.

Aloe SquarrosaPin

One of these, Aloe squarrosa (AL-oh skwa-RO-suh), is among the latter due to its limited natural range on the island of Socotra, Yemen.

Its two siblings, Aloe perryi and Aloe jawiyon, are also at risk due to goat herding and human expansion.


The true tragedy of this succulent plant and member of the Asphodelaceae family isn’t its status. It’s that so few know of its beauty.

Also commonly known as Aloe concinnaAloe zanzibarica, and Yemen aloe (sometimes spelled Jemen aloe), it’s sometimes confused with a Kenyan species, Aloe juvenna.

While this plant doesn’t do well indoors, we believe that getting to know this wonderful perennial aloe will make you want to adopt one and help keep the species alive.

Yemen Aloe Squarrosa Care

Size and Growth

Excluding the flower stalks, this slow-growing plant has a rounded form that reaches a mature plant size of 12” inches by the time it’s 5 to 10 years old.

It’s a rhizomatous plant that will slowly scramble along the ground if not maintained.

Despite being evergreen, the plant is most active in spring and autumn and hibernates during winter.

A potted Aloe Vera plant with speckled green leaves against a white backgroundPin
Photo Credit: Instagram @plantifulshop

The big attraction of this plant is its foliage, which is far showier than aloe vera.

The thick, upright stems produce whorled, triangular to lanceolate succulent leaves that grow upright and arranged in a rosette.

Each thick and recurved (i.e., curving backward) bright green leaf has toothed margins and sports white, often elongated white spots.

As the plant grows, the lower leaves will die and fall off.



Flowering and Fragrance

While the foliage is Yemen aloe’s main draw, the inflorescence is a raceme upon a stem that is simple but not to be underestimated.

Depending on conditions, the plant may bloom only once in the year or intermittently, although it rarely blooms if kept in a container.

Aloe vera plant in a white pot under sunlightPin
Photo Credit: Instagram @quintal.das.flores_

The Erect flower spikes cluster at the center of the plant, reaching up to 35” inches tall, and bear cylindrical racemes of tubular, green-tipped flowers.

The flowers themselves are tiny, measuring only about ⅕” inches across but are a glorious red to orange with buds appearing as a flushed green.

Light and Temperature

As with most aloe species, your Yemen aloe will prefer full sun under most circumstances.

However, in harsher climates, it may prefer partial shade during the summer months or full direct sunlight in the morning/evening with some shelter in the early afternoon.

Remember, too direct sun will scorch the leaves.

This plant is highly vulnerable to frost and rot, so having the proper temperatures and low humidity is essential.

A small Aloe plant in a terracotta pot surrounded by pebbles and seashellsPin
Photo Credit: Instagram @gumuslukbotanik

It can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11 but can be difficult to grow indoors without a terrarium or other special environmental setup.

The best temperatures for this plant are 60 to 80° degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 to 70° degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Never expose the plant to temperatures of 40° degrees Fahrenheit or below.

In many cooler climates, A. squarrosa is grown under glass to provide better protection.

Watering and Feeding

Squarrosa can have a difficult time following a strict watering schedule. It is highly susceptible to root rot. This plant takes the soak-and-dry method of watering to heart.

Allow the soil to fully dry before watering, and only use distilled water or natural rainwater at room temperature.

Potted aloe plant with spiky green leaves on a wooden table.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @plantloveruk

Pour slowly and evenly so the water has a chance to soak down into the soil and stop the moment you see any seepage from the drainage holes.

Avoid getting water on the leaves when watering to reduce the risk of scorching.

Moreover, cut back watering in winter months, as the plant is more prone to rot if overwatered.

Related: More on When and How To Water Aloe Plants.

You may choose to fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer in spring and fall or only give one dose in the spring to provide the required nutrients.

Soil and Transplanting

A. squarrosa doesn’t like acidic soils, preferring a pH between 6.6 and 7.5.

A loamy or sandy soil designed for succulents or cactus potting soil is perfect for this plant and may be amended with compost as necessary.

An Aloe Vera plant in a ribbed brown ceramic pot on a wooden surface against a cream wall.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @greeeen_addict

Make sure the soil drains quickly, amending with bark or perlite to ensure it won’t compact.

When grown in containers, transplant every 2 years to give it fresh soil, graduating one pot size higher as needed.

You will know if it needs a bigger pot when you see the roots poking from its container’s drainage holes.

Grooming And Maintenance

The plant doesn’t require much maintenance, but you may choose to remove dead leaves or stems after flowering.

Deadheading is also possible to encourage growth.

Propagating Aloe Zanzibarica

This plant is commonly propagated through offshoots or offsets from the mother plant.

A potted Aloe plant with spiky green leaves in a striped pot.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @lovetheleaves

However, you may also start new plants using stem cuttings, division, and seed propagation methods with equal ease.

Aloe Squarrosa Pests or Diseases

This plant is drought tolerant but easily destroyed by both frost and rot.

The spiny teeth along its margins are much sharper than aloe vera’s, so use caution when handling.

A potted aloe plant on a windowsill with an out-of-focus background visible through a window.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @en20metros

Also, unlike aloe vera, the sap will irritate the digestive system if consumed.

Aphids, mealybugs, slugs, snails, and spider mites are common pests, with chlorosis and root rot being the two most common ailments.

The plant is vulnerable to a few genus-specific problems, such as aloe mites, aloe rust, and aloe scale.

Squarrosa Aloe Uses

A potted succulent with spiky green leaves in a light-colored pot.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @choky_n_plants

This plant is a great addition to many garden themes, including:

  • Architectural
  • Desert
  • Mediterranean
  • Subtropical
  • Xeriscape

While not as well-suited for indoor growth due to its need for low humidity, it can still be grown in outdoor containers and greenhouses, conservatories, and desert-condition terrariums.