Flower Description

• Aloe vera plants are slow-growing succulents. Their stemless leaves grow in rosettes that sucker freely. Aloe vera bloom annually in spring or summer. Their flowers grow in inflorescences -- tall spiky stems with clusters of flowers arranged around and along the top of each stem. Each flower is tubular-shaped and 1 1/4 inches long. Unlike other aloes, the flowers of aloe vera plants are yellow.
  
  

Getting Aloe Vera to Flower

• Getting your aloe vera plant to flower can be difficult. Many people who live in northern climates grow aloe vera plants indoors in pots and have never seen it, or even knew it produced flowers. If you are lucky enough to live where aloe vera is hardy (USDA plant Hardiness zones 9 to 12), you may have success by planting it outside.
  
  

Where to Plant Outside

• Choose a spot with indirect sunlight. In their native environment, aloe vera grows in the shade of large trees. Full sun causes the leaves to turn brown and wither. Add sand to loamy fertile soil to increase drainage. Over watering aloe vera plants is a common reason for their demise. In winter the plant is dormant, watering should be minimal. During summer months, soak aloe vera, allowing it to dry out completely before soaking the plants again.
  
  

Encouraging Flowers

• Neglecting plants sometimes gets them to respond by flowering and go to seed in an attempt to propagate themselves. Withholding fertilizer and water may induce Aloe vera to put up flower spikes. Make sure your aloe vera has plenty of heat. Planting them near a stone wall or a patio increases the amount of heat they get.