Aloe aculeata is a (usually) solitary stemless aloe forms a single rosette of up to 1 m high and wide. The long, relatively broad leaves are up to 120 mm wide at their base. The upper parts are curved inwards, which gives the rosette a rounded appearance. The leaf margins are armed with reddish brown, triangular teeth. The upper and lower surfaces of the leaves are covered in distinctive thorns. Each thorn originates from a thick base, which in some forms is a lighter colour than the rest of the leaf, giving it a dotted appearance. The inflorescences vary in number, from young to older plants, with younger plants only having one, but in older plants, it can form between three and four branches. Each raceme (group of flowers) is long and narrow, gradually tapering towards the tip. The tubular flowers are up to 40 mm long, varying from yellow to reddish orange.
How to Grow and Care
Aloe is a very forgiving plant, and a well-grown Aloe can be quite beautiful. As with all succulents, it’s essential that Aloe is never allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering.
Hardiness: Hardiness zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F).10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Origin: Aloe aculeata can be found in several areas in south Africa (Northern Province, Mpumalanga) and it extends into Zimbabwe.
Soil: Plant Aloes in a well-drained soil specially formulated for cacti and other succulents or make your soil mix. Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can cause root rot.
Watering: These succulents do need regular watering but are very tolerant of drought conditions for short periods. Water deeply, but only when the soil is dry. Cut back on watering during the winter months. Overwatering is the top reason Aloe plants die. Do not let water stand in the rosettes.
Fertilizing: Aloes generally do not require fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients. Feed with a fertilizer for cacti and other succulents in spring and summer only. Be sure to follow label directions.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE ALOE
- Scientific name: Aloe aculeata Pole-Evans
- Common names: Red Hot Poker Aloe, Prickly aloe
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
- Species: A. Acuelata
- Genus: Aloe
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| source pic: flickr.com , Instagram |
How to Grow and Care
Aloe is a very forgiving plant, and a well-grown Aloe can be quite beautiful. As with all succulents, it’s essential that Aloe is never allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering.
Hardiness: Hardiness zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F).10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Origin: Aloe aculeata can be found in several areas in south Africa (Northern Province, Mpumalanga) and it extends into Zimbabwe.
Soil: Plant Aloes in a well-drained soil specially formulated for cacti and other succulents or make your soil mix. Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can cause root rot.
Watering: These succulents do need regular watering but are very tolerant of drought conditions for short periods. Water deeply, but only when the soil is dry. Cut back on watering during the winter months. Overwatering is the top reason Aloe plants die. Do not let water stand in the rosettes.
Fertilizing: Aloes generally do not require fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients. Feed with a fertilizer for cacti and other succulents in spring and summer only. Be sure to follow label directions.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE ALOE
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source pic: flickr.com, dehortus.gardenexplorer.org
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