The leaves have a characteristic cinnamon or musky smell when bruised or damaged. The yellow to orange-yellow flowers are on unbranched spikes, 3 ft. high (90 cm). In late winter to early spring. Plant in full sun to light shade and irrigate regularly spring through summer. They are attractive to nectar seeking birds and insects.
- Scientific name: Aloe vanbalenii Pillans
- Common names: Van balen's aloe, Crawling octopus
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
- Species: A vanbalenii
- Genus: ALOE
Origin: Aloe vanbalenii is native to South Africa.
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
How to Grow and Care
Aloe vanbalenii can be propagated using 2 methods, either by using seeds or by taking cuttings.
Sow seeds in summer, in a well-drained soil, preferably ½ river sand mixed with 6 mm sieved compost. Level your medium and thereafter sprinkle the seeds evenly across the tray to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding of seeds may result in weaker seedlings due to competition for sunlight, nutrients and water. Use a fungicide to prevent damping off. Lightly cover the seeds using your soil mixture. For successful germination, ensure that your seeds receive adequate light, water and ventilation.
According to Doug Cooke pers. comm. 2017, the seeds should start germinating after 3 weeks to a month. When the seedlings are about 20–25 mm high, prick them out into pots. Then use the same medium to transplant them and place them in an area with full sun. Feed the seedlings with a liquid fertilizer and when they reach a height of 50 mm, they need to be planted into bags placed under 20% shade net.
Take cuttings from the parent plant, but don’t plant them immediately, let the cuttings dry (heal) for at least a day. When planting, dip the cuttings into rooting hormone suitable for semi-hardwood cuttings and then insert it into a sandy medium. Place your tray in the glasshouse. It must only be watered twice a week, because the plant rots easily. It usually roots after a month or so. Pot the rooted cuttings into a well-drianed soil mixture, such as 2 parts compost: 2 parts sandy soil and 1 part loamy soil, and place your pots where they will receive adequate light.
This drought resistant plant is easy to grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and will give you excellent results with regular watering during its growing season...
– Learn more at: HOW TO GROW AND CARE ALOE
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| source pic: agaveville.org |
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| source pic: agaveville.org |
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| source pic: agaveville.org |
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