Starfish Aloe

Plant Type: perennial, succulent
Plant Height: 1–2 feet (in rosette; stems may rise slightly)
Spread: 2–3 feet (clumping habit)
Flower Color: orange-red
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Starfish Aloe / Aloe cameronii: Colorful Clumping Beauty with Coastal Drama
Aloe cameronii, commonly known as the Starfish Aloe, is a spectacular and charismatic succulent prized for its clumping growth, richly colored foliage, and winter blooms. In full sun and under mild drought stress, its leaves take on warm coppery to deep red tones, creating a dramatic accent plant. In more protected or shaded conditions it retains green hues, making its color shifts part of the landscape story.

Key Features of Starfish Aloe
Starfish Aloe forms multiple upright rosettes from a suckering base, producing dense clumps over time. Leaves are narrow, slightly curved, and edged with small teeth. In harsh sunlight or drought, the foliage intensifies in color—from green to copper, orange, and red—offering seasonal visual interest. The plant sends up flower spikes in winter to early spring, bearing striking orange to red blooms that attract hummingbirds and pollinators.

Growing and Care Tips
This aloe favors full sun but tolerates partial shade (especially during the hottest afternoon hours). It demands very well-draining, gritty or rocky soil to avoid rot. During the first few months after planting, water lightly and infrequently, allowing the topsoil to dry between cycles. Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells. Minimal fertilization is needed—if desired, a light application of cactus/succulent formula in spring is sufficient. Though quite drought tolerant, avoid overwatering especially in cooler months. Frost or hard freezes may damage foliage, but healthy clumps can reshoot from base.

Landscaping Uses
Starfish Aloe is ideal in desert gardens, rockeries, gravel beds, or mixed succulent landscapes. Its colorful foliage and sculptural form make it a strong focal point or accent plant. It works beautifully in containers, courtyard settings, or grouped with more muted succulents to highlight its color shifts.

Summary
Aloe cameronii (Starfish Aloe) combines resilient form, fascinating seasonal color change, and low-maintenance habits. Its vibrant foliage and winter blooms elevate any landscape in Arizona and beyond, while its clumping nature ensures it grows into a showpiece over time.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Starfish Aloe Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade (about 6+ hours of sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun when very hot)
Soil: Exceptionally well-drained, gritty or rocky mix to prevent water retention and root issues
Spacing: Space plants 2–3 feet apart to allow room for clumping and airflow
Planting Depth: Place the crown at or just above soil surface to avoid water trapping
Support: No staking required; clumps are naturally stable

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly once after planting to settle the soil. Allow the soil to dry before watering again. During the first 2–3 months, irrigate lightly every 10–14 days, adjusting for heat and soil drainage.
When is the Plant Established? Starfish Aloe is considered established after approximately 6 months, when root growth is firm and leaf growth is consistent.
Watering Once Established: After establishment, water sparingly. In summer, irrigate during extended dry periods (every 3–4 weeks). In winter, supplemental watering is rarely needed unless soil remains bone dry for weeks.
Drip Irrigation Setup: Position emitters 10–12 inches from the rosette edges to avoid the crown. Use low-flow emitters (0.5–1 gph), and allow soil to dry fully between cycles. One emitter per plant is generally adequate.
General Watering Tips: Always verify soil dryness before watering—only water when several inches are dry. Avoid overwatering, which can cause crown and root rot. Use coarse rock or gravel mulch to reduce evaporation and suppress weeds, keeping it clear of the plant’s base for optimal air circulation.