Aloe bellatula

This species is a small Aloe from Madagascar, naturally found near granite outcrops on slopes of the Itremo Mountains at altitudes of 5000 – 6000 ft ​[1]​. Although it is considered critically endangered in the wild, it is commonly cultivated because of its small size, suitability to indoor planting, and attractive appearance—its epithet reflects it being a little, beautiful plant ​[2]​.

The leaves are attractively patterned with small raised spots (“papillae”) so that this is a handsome plant even when not in flower.

E. W. Putnam ​[3]​

Aloe bellatula has distinctly bell-like flowers that can be pinkish or coral red, becoming lighter and whitish near the mouth.

Leaves are thin and long, generously decorated with white spots on both surfaces. The margins have small, soft, cartilaginous teeth.

The plant resembles some other stemless Aloes such as Aloe perrieri; Aloe bellatula is generally smaller, but the two plants may also be conspecific ​[1]​.

The plant is generally easy to grow but is not frost tolerant. It tolerates generous watering in the summer months, and generally flowers in the early fall at the tail end of its growing season.

Physical Characteristics