Say Goodbye To Boring Aloe: The Spiral Variety That Mesmerizes

Whether we're growing plants of our own or just enjoy gazing longingly at images, aloes are easy to love. There are many different types that can grow either indoors as houseplants or outdoors in locations with mild winters. But some succulent aficionados may want to say goodbye to all the other types when they lay their eyes on the rarely grown spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla). This mesmerizing variety is unique among its relatives and may make the others seem boring in comparison. That's because the foliage of this aloe species grows in a Fibonacci spiral. 

Spiral aloe is a fast-growing succulent plant whose fleshy, triangular leaves arrange themselves in a compact, spiraling rosette. The foliage can curve either clockwise or counterclockwise, and either way, the effect is simply hypnotic. However, you may not notice its spiral growth habit until the plants are two or three years old  – a little over halfway to maturity at 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Nonetheless, this is a tricky one to grow, so it might be better to just admire it in photos, or while visiting botanical gardens, rather than planting one in your own yard.

This variety's ranks of leaves are an example of the golden ratio that shows up in famous works of art and architecture, as well as throughout nature. The golden ratio creates a sense of balance and harmony, so it's not surprising that gardeners like to incorporate these succulents into their landscapes when they have the right conditions, or that other types of aloe look boring in comparison. In addition to the plant's fascinating growth habit, if you can cultivate one outdoors in your area, you'll also be able to admire its clusters of red to pink flowers in spring and early summer.

Since this plant is challenging to grow, you'll need to be very familiar with caring for succulents inside and outside your house. This plant can offer its transcendent beauty to mild coastal areas in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 11, such as San Francisco, with the right kind of support. You can consider spiral aloe one of the succulents that will thrive in your outdoor environment if you can provide the right conditions, such as very well-draining soil. To keep its gorgeous spiral form, this unique aloe needs full sun, but doesn't stand up well to heat. If your outdoor environment doesn't offer the right combination of cool conditions with full sun, then you may have to say goodbye to the idea of growing one in your yard. On the other hand, if your mind is set on cultivating one of your own, you might want to raise one indoors under a grow light or near a bright, sunny window.