soap aloe vera plant Shop 'Aloe maculata – Soap Aloe' Care and Growing Guide Planet Desert
SKU: 27719269603
soap aloe vera plant

soap aloe vera plant Shop 'Aloe maculata – Soap Aloe' Care and Growing Guide Planet Desert

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soap aloe vera plant Shop 'Aloe maculata – Soap Aloe' Care and Growing Guide Planet DesertIntroducing the Aloe maculata, known as Soap Aloe, which is the most popular type of ornamental Aloe plant. It gets its name 'soap aloe' because of its thick, gel like sap found in the leaves was traditionally used as a natural soap substitute for cleansing purposes. The Aloe maculate is also known as zebra aloe, an Aloe Saponaria. Like Aloe vera, Aloe maculate is closely related and is also traditionally used for treating skin complaints,

Introducing the Aloe maculata, known as Soap Aloe, which is the most popular type of ornamental Aloe plant.  It gets its name 'soap aloe' because of its thick, gel-like sap found in the leaves was traditionally used as a natural soap substitute for cleansing purposes. The Aloe maculate is also known as zebra aloe, an Aloe Saponaria.

Like Aloe veraAloe maculate is closely related and is also traditionally used for treating skin complaints, inflammation, respiratory, muscular-skeletal, poisoning, circulation, and endocrine system diseases.


Native to South Africa, this soap aloe has gained popularity worldwide for its striking foliage and beautiful flowers.

It features rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves that grow in a spiral pattern. The leaves are typically green, but they can develop reddish or brownish spots as the plant matures, giving it a unique and eye-catching appearance.

The leaves have toothed margins and are armed with small spines along the edges.

Aloe maculata can reach grow up to 2 feet tall and wide. However, the size can vary depending on the growing conditions and care provided. It is a relatively compact plant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

The Aloe maculate flowers produce tall, upright flower spikes that can reach up to 3 feet in height. The flowers are tubular and typically orange or red in color, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The blooming period usually occurs during the spring or summer months, adding a vibrant touch to your garden or indoor space. 

When and How to Water Your Aloe maculata

To keep your Aloe maculata happy and healthy, it's best to water it deeply but less frequently. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water your Aloe maculata when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. 

In the spring and summer, during the growing season, you can water your Aloe maculata about once every two weeks. In the winter months, when the plant goes into a dormant period, you can reduce watering to once a month or even less, depending on the moisture level of the soil. 

Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater your Aloe maculata. These succulent plants are excellent at storing water in their fleshy leaves, so they can tolerate periods of drought quite well. Just make sure not to let the soil stay constantly wet, as this can lead to root issues. 

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Aloe maculata

When growing indoors, the Aloe maculata thrives in bright, indirect light when grown indoors. Place it near a sunny window where it can receive several hours of bright, filtered sunlight each day. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves. If you notice the leaves stretching or becoming pale, it may be an indication that the plant is not receiving enough light. Consider supplementing with artificial grow lights to provide the necessary light intensity. 

When grown outdoors, your soap aloe prefers full sun to partial shade. It can handle direct sunlight, but it's important to acclimate the plant gradually to prevent sunburn. Start by placing it in a partially shaded area and gradually expose it to more sunlight over time. This will help the plant adjust and avoid leaf damage. If you live in a region with hot, intense summers, providing some afternoon shade can be beneficial to protect the plant from excessive heat. 

Remember, finding the right balance of light is crucial for the health and growth of Aloe maculata. Observe how the plant responds to its current light conditions and make adjustments accordingly. With the right amount of light, your Aloe maculate soap aloe will thrive and display its beautiful, spiky green leaves throughout. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The soap aloe favors very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your succulent to thrive. 

When it comes to fertilizing, Aloe maculata doesn't require heavy feeding. In fact, it's best to be conservative with fertilizer application. During the active growing season in spring, you can use a balanced (5-10-5), water-soluble NPK fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Apply the fertilizer once a year to provide a gentle nutrient boost to the plant. 

However, it's important to note that Aloe maculata is a relatively low-maintenance plant and can do well even without regular fertilization. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can skip the fertilizer altogether and rely on the nutrients present in the soil mix. 

Remember, the key is to provide well-draining soil and be mindful of the fertilizer application. With the right soil conditions and occasional nutrient boost, your Aloe maculata will thrive and bring beauty to your space. 

Hardiness Zones & More 

When growing indoors, the Aloe maculata can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 85°F. It's important to avoid exposing the plant to extreme temperature fluctuations, such as placing it near drafts or heating vents. As for humidity, Aloe maculata is relatively tolerant and can handle average indoor humidity levels. However, it appreciates a slightly drier environment, so there's no need for extra humidity measures. 

When growing soap aloes outdoors, your soap aloe is generally suited for hardiness zones 9 to 11. It thrives in warm climates and can handle mild frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the plant. If you live in a region with colder winters, it's best to grow Aloe maculata in containers that can be brought indoors during the colder months or provide protection, such as covering the plant with a frost cloth. 

Remember, Aloe maculata is a resilient plant, but it's always a good idea to provide it with the optimal temperature range and protect it from extreme conditions. Whether indoors or outdoors, maintaining a comfortable temperature and avoiding prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures will help your Aloe maculata stay healthy and happy. 

Aloe maculata Propagation

Aloe maculata can be propagated through various methods, including offsets, seeds, or stem cuttings. Offsets, also known as "pups," are small plantlets that grow from the base of the mother plant. These can be carefully separated and replanted to establish new plants. Seeds can be collected from mature flowers and sown in well-draining soil. Stem cuttings can also be taken and allowed to dry before being planted in suitable soil. 

Key Takeaways 

  1. The Aloe maculate (Soap Aloe) is a stunning succulent plant native to the warm desert regions of South Africa.
  2. It features rosettes of fleshy leaves with eye-catching spots, and when mature, it produces tall flower spikes with vibrant bright red or coral-orange flowers.
  3. This plant is relatively compact, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor cultivation.
  4. For care, it thrives in well-draining soil, minimal watering, and soap aloes require bright light but can tolerate some shade.
  5. This plants gel is traditionally used for many medicinal properties by locals, including treating skin complaints, inflammation, respiratory, muscular-skeletal, poisoning, circulation, and endocrine system diseases.
  6. Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own Aloe maculata today!
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Jessika
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 4
Definitely worth the read!
Format: Kindle
After taking a deep breath and taking in that wicked twist of an ending, I have finally composed myself. My first thought when I started this book was that I love Reyna's character. I was intrigued by her connection with her familiar and the Ruin that is plaguing her land. It came as no surprise that she took her sister's place in an attempt to protect her. When they reach the Air Court everything slows down. This is where it was iffy for me. First of all, I like multiple POV's in books however 7 is a bit much. It starts to interrupt the story line. I felt like I was finally making progress connecting with one character, then it was switched to another person. I felt they all had necessary or pertinent information but not necessarily were they all POV worthy. The only other thing that annoyed me was that Reyna constantly was " trapped." She would rush off without thinking, only to need rescuing. She is brilliant in a fight, but she really doesn't think through anything. Lorcan is amazing. I know he might be on the "bad" list, but his background is so interesting. Eislyn(Reyna's sister) is really so sweet, but calculating. I enjoyed her and Thane's dialogue. The author did an amazing job with the imagery in this book. Everything was so detailed it was easy to fall into the scene. I love unexpected twists and while part of the ending I expected, I wasn't expecting how it took place. All in all, I found it very entertaining and I am very invested in continuing this series. Favorite quotes: "The truth may be twisted but never false." "Who was she if she was not the enemy of the Air Court? What was her purpose of she no longer has that?" "In a war-torn land, love was always a lie."
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Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2020
K
Verified Purchase
KAB
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Read!!! Great story!!!
Format: Kindle
The series is long, but Ms. Wolfhart does a fantastic job of weaving this tale while bringing so much to the characters. Surprises and plot twists along the way to keep you intrigued. There is some graphic sex, but is no way the focal point. Grammar was excellent (a rare find with a lot of self publishers) with only a few noted errors. I rarely give 4 stars, let alone 5.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2021
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Elisa
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 3
Sadly, DNF
Format: Kindle
I read this thru KU. I LOVED the synopsis. And then I began reading... and it was a DNF at 68% after picking it up and putting it down several times because I really loved the main female character. *****SPOILERS***** Pros: The world is unique, intriguing and fun. The primary female character is bad-a** but not a b*tech or a mary sue. The primary female has depth. I really want to know what happens to her even tho it's been weeks and I don't remember her name. The villains to the point I read are pretty good -- an ever present threat of mysterious and possibly many culprits. Cons: Way, way too many points of view. I stopped counting at 7. It's the prime reason why I don't care about most of the characters or remember their names even when I like them. There's just too many points of view so almost none of the characters have enough book space for the author to properly develop them. This literally killed the book for me. Actually it killed my desire to read. For weeks. The main male is more villain than hero. He agreed to marry the main female then locks her up & eschews her for her sister, all while bad mouthing her as unfit to rule when he never spent any time with her getting to know her. He is actually unfit to rule as he is blind to the woes of his own kingdom and starts off a peace mission to secure a ceasefire through marriage by murdering an inn full of people in her country for no real reason. Plus, he constantly makes promises he does not keep. And it's gross of him to pine for the sister behind the main female's back. ***** As much as I really wanted to see what happened to the main female character, it wasn't enough for me to keep trying to slog thru this book. There was a lot of potential here that just fell short. Hence, 3 stars.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2021
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MaryBeth K
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Fae Courts with High Intrigue
Format: Kindle
This book is one that just builds and builds and then surprises you to no end. You may think you know the villains and then you are jolted in another direction. Princess Reyna is a real gem, strong of character, a fierce fighter, and loyal to her family and kingdom. Just when you think she and Lorcan, well you know, the plot is flipped. Can't wait to see where this goes in book two.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2023
K
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Kindle Customer Maureen
Draper, US
★★★★★ 4
Slow, sorry but good
Format: Kindle
This was a slow moving book. Lots of character pov chapters, lots of superfluous descriptions and endless courtly appearances stalled this book to start. Once you get into the heart of the story, it takes off. Before you know it the book is done. My favorite character is Reyna. She is so strong. She is true to herself. She gets into a lot of trouble with her headstrong ways but it's entertaining. I have high hopes for Lorcan. He is honorable to a fault. Thane had turned out to be better than I thought but i still don't like him. Eislin is useless. Great plot twists at the end. I'm looking forward too book 2.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2020

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