Aloe ferox - the bitter aloe or Cape aloe - reaches up to 10 feet (3.0 m) in height - so better grown in dry-tropical climates in open sandy-loamy soils and full sun. It can be distinguished from its closest relatives by its more compact, erect leaves with 6mm reddish-brown teeth on the margins and also on the keel of the leaf near the leaf tip.
This drought-tolerant plant is capable to survive without daily or frequent watering. Ideally, the perennial plant prefers little or non-continuous irrigation.
As with most aloe species, this south African native prefers indirect sunlight or artificial light for healthy plant growth. When aloe receives low light it grows nice and leggy.
The aloe plant has minimum feeding requirements. The plant needs to be nourished during the summer months with fertilizer. Ideally, liquid fertilizing is applied 2 to 3 times per season.
The ideal temperature for the growth of red aloe is between 55° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit (13° – 27° C). The plant is intolerant to cold temperatures and does well in warm, moist weather conditions.
