SKU: 27719269603
soap aloe vera plant

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

Sale price$19.76 Regular price$21.96
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $5.49 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Sep 29 - Oct 4

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

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 vera, Aloe 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!
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 27719269603

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell soap aloe vera plant

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.7 ★★★★★
Based on 22 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
S
Verified Purchase
Sledman
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 4
Excellent set at an affordable price
Size: 18-Piece, Style: Traditional Handle Design
I'm not a chef, nor a knife aficionado. My wife and I both enjoy cooking and prepare our meals at least 5 days a week. We had a medium quality knife set that was around 13 years old. Due to improper cleaning (placed in the dishwasher most of the time) the blades dulled and rust spots appeared. We decided that a high end set might be a nice gift to ourselves, and looked at the premium brands available. Being non-professionals I started to feel uncomfortable spending upwards of $300 on a knife set. I have been watching these knives for a while now, and have read countless reviews, both good and bad to help me decide if these are worth getting. Having purchased other Amazon Basic items I felt that these were a safe bet, and if I were unhappy I could easily return them. Upon arrival the knifes looked fantastic. They were very nicely packaged and easy to safely unpack. The block was in perfect condition (some reported cracks upon arrival). I inspected the knives and all appeared to be in perfect condition showing no dings, burrs or warping. After a quick hand wash and dry I placed them all in the block. I did have a slight issue with one of the steak knife slots not fully cleared and preventing the knife from sliding all the way down. I was easily able to clear it using an old steak knife as there was only a wood chip stuck in the slot. I have used the knives about every day for the past 2 weeks and so far the are great to use. Very comfortable, super sharp and they clean up well. The only issue I have had is the Scissors come apart very easily, I've had them fall apart while using them twice already. I will see about adjusting the tension on the connection, but honestly the scissor is not very important to me and I don't mind replacing them with higher quality kitchen scissors if need be. Overall we are very happy with this purchase and I expect that with proper cleaning these knives will last a very long time.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2019
D
Verified Purchase
draco7891
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Forged Knives at a Stamped-Knife Price
Size: 18-Piece, Style: Traditional Handle Design
Purchased as a gift for a friend suffering with an old, rusted, chipped set of cheap big-box knives. As far as I can tell, these are one-piece forged/milled knives with a full tang... no idea how Amazon gets them so cheap. I have a set of J.A. Henckels Four-Star that were 5x the price, and these knives are almost as nice in fitment and quality. Some of the grinds at the bolster aren't quite symmetrical, but nothing that functionally affects the knife. Not show-dogs, just old reliable mutts that get you where you need to be. Knives have a good weight and balance, not too heavy but sit well in the hand and have a nice action. The edge out of the box is only average, and the chef's knife had a decent roll to the edge out of the box. However, they sharpen easily and can take a fine edge with a little work with the steel (no word on edge longevity yet, they don't cook that often). The shears come apart for cleaning (which is nice), although I found it a little too unstable when opening them wide, the rivet is at 90* so when taking a big bite they have a tendency to come apart rather than scissor. Changing to a design that doesn't separate until they're fully open would make them much better. The woodblock is pine, and had a distinct pine scent out of the box (I suppose this is an area where they saved money, I would pay a premium to get a bamboo block instead). The exterior was well-finished, but the interiors of the knife slots did have some rough spots and/or splinters from the milling. Nothing that stops it from working as intended, a little back and forth solved the majority of problems. Friend hand washed them after receiving them, but left them damp. Water spots, but no rust on any of the blades, the steel had light surface rust that came off with a scrubby sponge and soap. Overall I remain optimistic they will stand up to the abuse of a forgetful cook. Having bought expensive German steel, and now these, I daresay I would probably be unable to tell the difference between the two in the kitchen.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2015
T
Verified Purchase
Toni
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
This is an inexpensive quality knife set!
Size: 18-Piece, Style: Traditional Handle Design, Size: 18-Piece, Style: Traditional Handle Design
I have been a Chef for 17 yrs. and from experience know you don't get quality in an inexpensive knife set. This AmazonBasics Premium set really impressed me. The knives I use and have at home are mixed matched because I like good hefty knives. My wife always rags on me that the knives look crappy, so I got on here and started reading reviews. I was not gonna spend alot of money on a set knowing that I have good knives already. Then I saw this set, and looked at the video. I got them in TWO days, and when I opened the package I was expecting the block to be split, chipped, or have saw marks. As you can see the one I got was flawless. I then took out the chefs knife and smiled. Easily comparable to a 8" Zwilling JA Henckels Pro Traditional Chefs Knife. It has the same quality, heft, and balance. TRUST ME I KNOW!!!! Beautiful knife. The thickness of the blade is equal to my Victorinox Fibrox Chefs Knife and I paid $45. for that knife alone!!! This here is a quality product at a good price. Treat them with respect and they will last for YEARS. If your looking for a good complete set, a nice wedding gift, of just looking to replace the "crappy" set you have look no further.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2016
E
Verified Purchase
Eric H.
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Amazing for the price
Size: 9-Piece, Style: Traditional Handle Design
At a higher price they would have been 4 or 3 stars, but for $50 this is an insane deal. The steel is pretty good quality. It almost seems like it's hardened VG-10 but I think they would advertise that if it were so I'm guessing it's a cheaper stainless steel that just comes harder without being treated though I'm just speculating based on price. Anyways they're flat ground, take an edge easily, and hold it reasonably well. Nicer knives would certainly hold an edge longer but I'm pretty happy with them. The flat ground shape of the blade is actually ever so slightly convex as well, it's not too apparent in use but you can certainly see it in the reflection. The serration on the bread knife is the inverse of what I would prefer, rounded metal with points cut into it vs points extending from the blade with the rounded parts cut out. When the rounded parts are cut out it's easy to sharpen. When the points are cut out it's almost impossible to sharpen. The handles are the downfall of the knives. They're not smoothly finished and while they look alright they feel like a cheaply cut (although very solid) piece of plastic which is exactly what they are. A little bit better finishing on the handles would really improve the knives. The holding block serves it's purpose well. The sharpener is ok but below average, though the rough steel rod sharpeners just aren't great to begin with. Diamond coated rods are much better, though ceramic rod sharpeners are the best. Overall I love the knives and I'm glad I bought them. For the price they're the best deal I've ever found, no question. I love that there is no logo on them, but I just don't like to see branding in general even if it's a premium brand. If you're buying this for the bread knife or the sharpener, don't, they're not good. If you want the look and feel of a $300+ knife set, don't buy this, you'll be disappointed. If you want a good quality knife set but aren't willing to spend $300+ then absolutely buy these, they're great.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2016
C
Verified Purchase
Colleen L
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Really decent knives
Size: 9-Piece, Style: Traditional Handle Design
Nice set of inexpensive knives and comfortable to use
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2026

recommand products