Its common name is the Spiral Aloe. The spiraling leaves can either grow clockwise or counterwise (lefty or righty as we like to say). Aloe polyphylla grows in high altitude grassland, between 2000 and 2500 metres - sometimes higher - although apparently only on the more easterly facing slopes at these higher altitudes. This could be due to the cold, where it may be important for the plants to receive early morning sun in winter. The plants are sometimes also under snow in winter. The spiral aloe grows in basalt rock crevices on very steep slopes with loose rock which aids in keeping the plants very well drained. They often grow in the mist and cloud belt in Lesotho. Although soils are well drained, the plants here have a continual flow of water in the summer months. The rainfall is very high and the summers very cool at these high altitudes in Lesotho.
Frost Tolerance: Generally little protection is needed in Phoenix
Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C)
Sun Exposure: Full sun in general, light shade in Phoenix
Origin: Lesotho, on rocky slopes above 7000 feet (2300m)
Growth Habits: Solitary or in large groups, each rosette with 75 to 100 leaves up to 12 inches long (30 cm)
Watering Needs: drought resistant
Propagation: Seed
This is a very rare plant due to its solitary nature. Because of this they are only grown by seed and therefore very hard to get. GROW now has some of these incredible plants for sale.