Aloe Flower

Aloe plants produce a wide variety of flowers.

Many varieties of the aloe plant produce flowers that come in a vast array of colors, shapes and sizes, though the aloe plant most people are familiar with--the aloe vera--is not known for its flowers.

Structure

An open raceme (aloe flower).

The aloe flower is called the inflorescence, and it's made up of both the stem--the peduncle--and the colored flower. The flower, which is supported by the peduncle, is called the raceme and can be open or compact.

Colors

A purple aloe flower.

The aloe flower comes in a variety of colors, including blue, green, pink, orange, yellow and purple.

Size

A more compact aloe flower.

Aloe flowers vary in size. Some flowers are compact and appear small, while others are open and can seem much larger.

Shape

A tubular aloe flower.

The aloe flower comes in as many shapes as it does sizes and colors. They can be round like balls or look like little tubes or cones. Some plants maintain a single inflorescence, while others produce several.

Growing Conditions

The aloe plant naturally occurs in the desert, so it likes lots of bright sunlight and needs little water. Frost and other cold conditions are harmful to the plant.

References

• Dave's Garden: An Introduction to Aloe Flowers
• Garden Guides: Aloe Vera House Plant Care