Black Gem Aloe
Aloe aethiopica 'Black Gem'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Cactus Succulent
Height
5 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Hybrid
Toxicity
Toxic to pets and humans if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
x Alworthia 'Black Gem' is a small, clumping succulent hybrid. Its fleshy, pointed leaves are dark green, turning a deep bronze-black in full sun. Its most distinctive feature is the very dark foliage, which intensifies with sun exposure. It produces offsets freely, forming a dense cluster over time.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining sandy or gritty soil for planting.
- Tuck roots into soil, ensuring the crown remains above ground level.
- Water sparingly after planting, allowing soil to dry between watering.
- Mist cuttings lightly for 2-3 weeks to encourage root development.
- Place in a bright, sunny location with partial shade during hottest hours.
- Fertilize with cactus or succulent fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.
Pro Tip
Use a cactus-specific soil mix for optimal drainage and root health.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water infrequently, allowing soil to dry completely between watering 🌱
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight for healthy growth
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Fertilize during active growing season with succulent fertilizer
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Place in low light conditions, which can weaken the plant
- Use heavy, clay soil that retains moisture
- Expose to frost or freezing temperatures
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Black Gem Aloe questions
What zones can Black Gem Aloe grow in?
Black Gem Aloe is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Black Gem Aloe deer resistant?
Yes — Black Gem Aloe is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Black Gem Aloe bloom?
Black Gem Aloe typically blooms in late spring to early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Black Gem Aloe need full sun?
Black Gem Aloe does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Black Gem Aloe drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Black Gem Aloe handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Aloe to compare
Aloe Black Gem
Aloe Aloe black gem
Compton's Aloe
Aloe comptonii
Cooper's Aloe
Aloe cooperi
Safari Rose Aloe
Aloe vera 'Safari Rose'
Coral Aloe
Aloe striata
Tilt-Head Aloe
Aloe speciosa 'Tilt-Head Aloe'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Black Gem Aloe with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
