Aloe macroclada

Aloe macroclada is a striking and robust aloe species native to Madagascar. Revered for its impressive size, architectural form, and vibrant blooms, it is a prized addition to any succulent collection or dry garden.

Botanical Overview

Botanical Name: Aloe macroclada
Common Name: Giant Clumping Aloe
Family: Asphodelaceae
Native Region: Central and southern Madagascar
Habitat: Rocky outcrops and dry forests, often at mid-elevation

Plant Description

Aloe macroclada is a large, stemless aloe forming dense clumps of thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves are glaucous green with a bluish tint, often edged with firm, reddish-brown teeth. In mature specimens, leaves can reach over 60 cm long and form symmetrical rosettes, contributing to the plant’s sculptural appearance.

Its flowering display is especially impressive. During the warm season, Aloe macroclada produces tall, upright inflorescences up to 1.5 meters tall, with vivid reddish-orange to yellow tubular flowers that attract pollinators like sunbirds and bees.

Key Features

• Growth Form: Large clumping aloe with no visible trunk

• Leaves: Broad, arching, and bluish-green with firm margins

• Flowers: Tall inflorescence with reddish-orange or yellow blooms

• Height: Rosette up to 60 cm tall; flower spikes up to 1.5 meters

• Season: Blooms typically in late winter to spring

• Longevity: Long-lived and slow-growing

• Conservation Status: Not currently listed, but habitat loss in Madagascar is an ongoing concern

Cultivation & Care

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established
Soil Requirements: Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
Climate: Prefers warm, dry conditions; protect from frost
Propagation: Best grown from seed or division of clumps
Uses: Great for xeriscaping, succulent gardens, or as a container specimen