Aloe striata is an evergreen, stemless, perennial succulent with grey-green leaves. It is belonging to Asphodelaceae family and Aloe genus.
Naturally found in the dry areas of the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa, growing from 250 to 2500 meters in elevation. “Aloe” from the Greek word for the dried juice of aloe leaves. The name “striata” refers to the longitudinal lines on the leaves of this species. There are many synonyms; some are Aloe albocincta, Aloe hanburiana, Aloe paniculata.

Coral Aloe grows up to 45 cm tall and 60 cm wide. The plant has a rosette of a few flat, broad, pale grey-green leaves. Colour of plant varies in depending on the amount of sunlight. In hot full sun the foliage is reddish and in more shaded spots they are often grey-green, also leaves go pink in winter when it gets cold. The leaves have a smooth, transparent, pink margin and subtle dark narrow lines running longitudinally. The leaves of this species lack the spines common on most Aloe and instead have a smooth attractive pinkish margin without any teeth. Attractive coral red flowers are borne during the winter or early spring months on 60 cm tall stems. Up to three branched inflorescence can arise from a single rosette.

Aloe striata tolerates a wide range of conditions and soils. It is happy in full sun to slightly shaded areas, and dry conditions that regularly watered. But it fails to thrive in wet or boggy conditions. Plant is frost hardy to -5°C. This species, as with most Aloe species, is subject to attack by snout weevil, white scale and aloe rust. Healthy specimens don’t fall prey to pests and disease as easily as stressed plants do.

Propagation of Coral Aloe is from seed which germinates easily if sown in well-drained soil. Seedlings grow fast, reaching flowering size in three to four years.

Use in Landscape: Aloe striata is a popular garden plant, world-wide. It forms dense colonies in frost-free areas with good drainage. It is one of the plants which can be used xeriscape plantings.  This species is not only very showy when in flower but also during the rest of the year on account of its attractive foliage.

Coral Aloe is a great plant for dry beds and borders. Perfect in succulent and cactus gardens and a nice contrast to low-flowing grasses. Flowers attract nectar-loving birds and insects during the cooler period of the year when food is not readily available. It makes a nice container plant as. Works well near walkways and swimming pools as it has no teeth or spines.