How to identify Spider aloe (Aloe humilis)

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How to identify Spider aloe (Aloe humilis)

Spider aloe is characterized by its compact growth, forming tight clusters with rosettes of incurved, triangular shaped leaves that are about 4 inches (10 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide. The leaves boast a distinctive gray-green color with a waxy texture and are adorned with soft white spines along the margins. The surface of the leaves is decorated with raised bumps called tubercules. During late winter to spring, the plant produces erect flower spikes up to 1 foot (30 cm) high, showcasing around 20 pendulous red-orange blossoms, each about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb, Succulent

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Spider aloe

Compact growth in tight clusters with triangular leaves

Distinct gray-green color with white spines and tubercules on leaves

Erect flower spikes reaching up to 1 foot (30 cm) high

Pendulous red-orange blossoms measuring about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long

Spider aloe and Their Similar Plants

Aloe vera vs. Spider aloe: What's The Difference?

Aloe vera is an evergreen succulent species native to the Arabian Peninsula. The thick leaves are filled with gooey flesh that stores water for survival in its native desert territories. Aloe vera has become a popular houseplant and is also incorporated into a wide range of cosmetics and skin-care products.

Candelabra aloe vs. Spider aloe: What's The Difference?

Candelabra aloe (*Aloe arborescens*) is a flowering succulent species native to Southern Africa. Candelabra aloe attracts birds, bees, and butterflies. This species is related to the well-known species Aloe vera. The Latin name Aloe arborescens means tree-like. In South Africa, it is commonly planted around livestock enclosures as a type of living fence or security border.

Soap aloe vs. Spider aloe: What's The Difference?

Soap aloe (Aloe maculata) is an evergreen succulent perennial that will grow to 46 cm tall and 61 cm wide. It has sword-shaped, spotted leaves that turn pinkish red in full sun and bluish green in the shade. It blooms from winter to spring with coral orange flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees. Tolerant to both drought and salt, it grows well in coastal gardens and rock gardens.

Tiger aloe vs. Spider aloe: What's The Difference?

Tiger aloe (Aloe variegata) is an evergreen succulent species native to South Africa and Namibia. Tiger aloe is also commonly known as partridge-breasted aloe and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental species. This species cannot grow in cold or wet regions, and must be grown indoors under glass during the winter in cold areas. Tiger aloe was among the first plants cultivated in Cape Town by the Dutch East India Company. Sunbirds are fond of tiger aloe nectar.

Christmas carol aloe vs. Spider aloe: What's The Difference?

Christmas carol aloe is a slow-growing variety of aloe that got its name from its festive-looking dark green leaves, which sport bright red and crimson edges and raised spots. It is often used in rock gardens, or as a decorative indoor plant.

Tiger tooth aloe vs. Spider aloe: What's The Difference?

Aloe juvenna gets its common name, tiger tooth aloe, from its menacing-looking spiny teethed leaves. However, this plant is all bark and no bite, as the spines are harmless and will not prick you if touched. In 1979 some unknowing person incorrectly labeled the plant as "possible juvenile Aloe," which turned into the Latin word "juvenna," which eventually became the official species name.

Chinese aloe vs. Spider aloe: What's The Difference?

Chinese aloe (Aloe vera var. chinensis) is an aloe species related to the well-known aloe vera plant. While some variants of aloe vera are edible, chinese aloe is not. This species is originally from South Africa, but is now cultivated around the world in gardens as an ornamental succulent.

Spiral aloe vs. Spider aloe: What's The Difference?

Each Aloe polyphylla leaf grows dense, almost stemless, and has a few serrations at its margin. In the seedling stage, the leaves grow opposite to each other, but as the plant gets older, its leaves grow in a distinctive spiral shape. The leaves' direction of rotation is not fixed, with some to the left and some to the right. The adult plant is large-sized, making it more suitable for direct planting in the ground.

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Key Facts About Spider aloe

Attributes of Spider aloe

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb, Succulent

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

1 m

Leaf Color

White

Green

Blue

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Scientific Classification of Spider aloe

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Spider aloe (Aloe humilis)

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Distribution Map of Spider aloe

Spider aloe is indigenous to the southern regions of Africa, thriving in the continent's diverse climates. Beyond its native habitat, spider aloe has been introduced to parts of northern Africa and southern Europe, where it has acclimated well. Also recognized for its adaptability, spider aloe is cultivated in similar climates worldwide, establishing a presence in areas with conducive environmental conditions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Spider aloe

A Comprehensive Guide to Spider aloe How to Grow and Care for Spider aloe