Krantz Aloe ( Aloe arborescens ) is a perennial succulent plant native to Africa. It that has many health and medicinal benefits. and the leaves of this plant are edible.
The most valued of all the Aloe species for its cosmetic and medicinal purposes is the Krantz Aloe. Aloe arborescens is very often the ingredient in many products that are labelled as Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), this is a fact that most people are unaware of. Research has showed that Krantz Aloe is 200% greater in its medicinal properties than Aloe Vera.
Other common names for the Krantz Aloe are Torch Aloe and Candelabra Aloe.
Growth
Aloe arborescens is popular for its large succulent leaves, that have spikes along the edges. The bright orange-reddish coloured flowers bloom in winter on a tall central stem and are useful to attract bees, butterflies, and birds. The Krantz Aloe grows to an average height of 2-3 metres.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asphodelaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry, Sub Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0 to 38°C / 32 to 100°F – Temperatures below -1°C / 30°F can kill this species.
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, succulent appropriate soil. Continuously wet soil will rot and kill this plant.
LOCATION:
Full Sun preferred; Part Shade tolerated in hot dry regions.
HEIGHT:
2-3 metres (6.5-10 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2 metres (6 feet)
pH:
5.0-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Succulent shrub. Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Minimal – Drought tolerant, usually with no need to water in winter.
POLLINATION:
Birds, insects pollinate Aloes and the flowers are bisexual and have both male and female parts on them.
MATURITY:
2 years
GERMINATION RATES:
67-78%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks, dependent on conditions
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy-Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 800
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes, leaves.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT ALOE ARBORESCENS (Krantz Aloe)
Krantz is commonly seen in many gardens around the world and is the most widely cultivated of the Aloe species.
Western medicine didn’t show much interest in the plant despite some cultures having used Aloe for centuries. It wasn’t until after World War 2, when it was used to treat radiation burn victims from Hiroshima, Japan, that the rest of world began to pay attention.
A mixture containing the juice from some of the leaves, a teaspoon of honey and three tablespoons of distillate has been used for generations in Brazil.
