Episode #372 | Original Air Date: August 3, 2021
Soap aloe is a tough, Florida-Friendly plant that can be grown throughout the state.
Soap aloe blooms throughout the warm months with hummingbird-attracting flowers in red, orange, or yellow.
Its name is derived from the fact that the sap from its thick, fleshy leaves can be used as a soap substitute.
Individual plants can reach two feet across. They’ll also spread by putting out new plants called pups, making soap aloe an effective groundcover plant.
The edges of the leaves have sharp spines, so keep this in mind when you select a location.
Plant soap aloe in full sun or partial shade in a well-drained soil. Once established, it’ll be highly drought tolerant.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ in a Minute is a production of the University of Florida’s Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, IFAS Extension, and WUFT-FM in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.