Aloe ciliaris Haw.
Climbing aloe
Aloe ciliaris is the only truly climbing or scandent aloe in the genus, with thin, flexible stems that can reach 5 m in length by leaning on neighbouring shrubs and fences. Its name "ciliaris" refers to the white cilia bordering the leaf sheath. It is the fastest-growing known aloe and produces brilliant red flowers that attract sunbirds for almost the entire year.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Scandent/climbing, long flexible stems |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Loam to sandy-loam with some organic matter, well-drained |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 10–15 cm long, light green, densely spiralled on the stems; leaf sheath with prominent white cilia on the margin.
ecoThin, flexible stems 2–5 m long, 1–2 cm in diameter, growing by leaning on surrounding vegetation or artificial supports.
ecoTubular flowers 2.5–3 cm long, scarlet red with green tips, in short simple racemes. Flowering nearly continuous in warm climates.
ecoFibrous branched roots emerging from stem nodes upon soil contact, facilitating natural vegetative propagation.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Loam to sandy-loam with some organic matter, well-drained
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut stem segments 15–20 cm long with at least 3 nodes.
- 2 Allow cuts to dry for 1–2 days.
- 3 Bury segment horizontally 2–3 cm in moist substrate.
- 4 Nodes emit roots in 2–4 weeks.
- 1 Sow in sandy substrate at 20–25 °C.
- 2 Keep moist with spray; germinates in 2–3 weeks.
- 3 Seedlings grow quickly; transplant at 6 weeks.
- 4 Provide support from 20 cm length.
Provide a support structure (fence, pergola, dense shrub) from the start.
Not providing support and leaving stems on the ground where they rot.
Annually in the young phase; in permanent ground no repotting needed
Monthly balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Moderately toxic to pets; latex can irritate skin.
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"The climbing habit of A. ciliaris is unique in the genus Aloe and has evolved as an adaptation to the dense vegetation of the Eastern Cape; molecularly it belongs to the elongated-stem aloe clade, but its growth rate (up to 1.5 m per year) surpasses all other species in the genus."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.