Origin and Habitat: South Africa (Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal), and extending inland as far as Lesotho. Aloe ferox is widespread and common throughout its range.
Altitude range: Up to 3,281 ft (1,000 m) above sea level.
Habitat and ecology: Albany Thicket, Fynbos, Grassland, Indian Ocean Coastal Belt. Aloe ferox is one of the dominant species in the 'succulent bushland' vegetation in South Africa. It grows in a wide range of climatic conditions. It is especially abundant on coastal river valley and further inland on rocky outcrops to flat, open areas, arid rocky hillsides and mountain slopes, where mean temperatures range from 81-88°F (27-31°C). Capable of thriving in the arid climate of the western part of the range as well as relatively wet conditions in the eastern part of the range. Annual rainfall ranges from 2.0-11.8 in (50-300 mm). Though the root system is shallow, the plant can grow under such dry conditions. Aloe ferox has a stem surrounded with a persistent layer of dead leaves that insulate the stem in the case of bush fires. This species is pollination by birds. However, honey bees also play a role in the pollination. The leaves of this commercially important medicinal plant is extensively harvested and products derived from harvested material are exported. Large volumes have been exported since the 1980s, with an increase in trade over the past 15 years. Despite heavy exploitation in some areas this species is still extremely common and not suspected to be in any danger of extinction. Aloe ferox has a weed-like ecology and is a pioneer species in disturbed vegetation, and therefore land degradation in many areas is suspected to have led to an increase in the population size over the past 30 years.

Cultivation and Propagation: Aloe ferox is cultivated widely as an ornamental. It is not a demanding species and usually does not give many problems in cultivation. It can be grown in a cool-warm glasshouse and put outside for the summer. In warm climates it is also an excellent garden specimen plant and is adaptable to many conditions. It grows much better outdoors in spring and summer, it is also perfect for the bright windowsill.
Soil: It is adaptable but prefers rich leaf mould with a slightly acidic pH (5-6). It has large root system and need big pots. Out-of-Doors grow it in light, fertile, well-drained soils.
Light requirements: It needs full sun to filtered sun.
Waterings: It should be soaked and allowed to dry out between waterings in summer. It should be given very light watering in winter too, still allowing the compost to dry out in between. Waterlogging should be always avoided.
Temperature requirements: Avoid any frost, but tolerates 28°F (-2°C) if very dry)
Maintenance: Removal of old flower stalks. During the winter months, the plants should be grown cool to initiate flower development, about 41-50°F (5-10°C)
Propagation: Aloe ferox does not produce suckers but can be propagated by seed and planting of the tops of old plants. Sow seed in a well drained medium in shallow trays and cover lightly with sand or the seed will blow away. Once the seeds begin to germinate, keep moist but watch out for overwatering as the seedlings could rot. Transplant into small pots once they are about 1-1.5 in (3-4 cm) high (approximately 6 months). Plant regeneration (micropropagation) from root and embryo tissue is successful as well.