Aloe vanbalenii (Van Balen’s Aloe)

Price range: $0.70 through $1.60

Aloe vanbalenii (Van Balen’s Aloe)

Family: Asphodelaceae
Common Names: Van Balen’s Aloe, Crawling Octopus Aloe
Origin: Native to rocky slopes of KwaZulu-Natal & Mpumalanga, South Africa

Description:

This stemless to short-stemmed aloe forms dramatic rosettes of long, deeply channeled leaves that curl and twist—earning its “octopus” nickname. Leaves are bright green in shade but flush copper-red under hot sun, with cinnamon-scented tissue when crushed. Winter brings tall (up to ~1 m), unbranched flower spikes bearing yellow to orange-yellow tubular blooms. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Climate & Hardiness:

  • Zones: USDA 9b–11
  • Cold Tolerance: Down to ~25 °F (–4 °C) if soil drains exceptionally well :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  • Light: Full sun intensifies foliage color; performs well in bright but filtered exposure :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Planting & Care Tips:

  • Size: Typically 2–3 ft tall (60–90 cm), 3–4 ft wide (90–120 cm), clumping with offsets over time :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  • Soil: Very well-draining, rocky or gritty substrate essential; avoid winter wet
  • Watering: Low—water sparingly; thrives in dry conditions once established :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Additional information

Weight N/A
Dimensions N/A

Details

Landscape & Design Uses:

  • Striking accent plant for rock gardens, xeric borders, or container displays
  • Ideal focal point where form and texture are valued—its curled leaves and winter blooms attract birds and pollinators
  • Perfect for Mediterranean-style landscapes and drought-tolerant designs :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

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At Rancho Tissue Technologies, we’re dedicated to providing you with top-quality tissue culture liners and microcuttings, and we welcome your questions and comments.

18539 Aliso Canyon Road Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

+1 (858) 756-6785, +1 (858) 756-0894

info@ranchotissue.com

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