Common Names: Fan Aloe, Fan-leaf Aloe, Kaapse Waaieraalwyn
📌 Product Description
Kumara plicatilis, commonly known as the Fan Aloe, is a distinctive indigenous succulent shrub recognised for its unique fan-shaped arrangement of thick grey-green leaves. Unlike most aloes that grow in rosettes, this species produces flattened fans of leaves at the ends of branching stems, creating a striking architectural form.
Native to the Western Cape of South Africa, the Fan Aloe develops into a small tree-like succulent over time. In winter to early spring it produces tall flower spikes with bright orange to red tubular flowers that attract birds and pollinators.
Highly prized in succulent gardens and modern landscapes, this drought-tolerant plant adds dramatic structure and is well suited to water-wise gardening.
📏 Size When Fully Grown
Height: 2 – 4 m
Spread: 2 – 3 m
Growth Habit: Branching succulent shrub / small tree
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
🌱 Best Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to light partial shade
Soil: Very well-draining sandy or gravelly soil
Water:
• Water moderately during establishment
• Drought tolerant once established
• Avoid waterlogged soil
Feeding: Apply compost or a light succulent fertiliser during spring if required.
Maintenance:
• Very low maintenance
• Remove old leaves if necessary
• Protect from prolonged heavy frost
🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)
Best Planting Time: Autumn to spring
Active Growth: Autumn, winter and spring
Flowering Season: Winter to early spring
Climate Suitability: Best suited to Mediterranean and coastal regions of South Africa
Frost Tolerance: Tolerates light frost if soil is well drained
🌼 Additional Benefits
• Indigenous South African species
• Unique architectural fan-shaped growth
• Drought tolerant
• Attracts birds and pollinators
• Long-lived specimen plant
🌿 Ideal Uses
✔ Indigenous gardens
✔ Succulent gardens
✔ Rock gardens
✔ Feature landscape plant
✔ Water-wise gardens
