Aloe aka Aloe

Taxonomy

Aloe is a genus of over 650 succulent plants that are known for their ability to store water in their leaves, making them a great choice for busy plant parents. The most well-known species is Aloe vera, which is cultivated for its various medicinal properties. Other species, such as Aloe ferox, are also used for similar purposes. Aloe Firebird is a stunning succulent with long, emerald green leaves speckled with white. The genus is native to tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar, Jordan, the Arabian Peninsula, and various islands in the Indian Ocean. Some species have become naturalized in other regions, including the Mediterranean, India, Australia, North and South America, and the Hawaiian Islands. Aloe flowers grow out of a large spike and can be shades of red, orange, and yellow. The plant is typically placed in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Asphodeloideae, and may be placed in the tribe Aloeae. In the past, it has been assigned to the family Aloaceae or to a broadly circumscribed family Liliaceae. The plant Agave americana, sometimes called "American aloe," belongs to the Asparagaceae family, which is different from the Aloe genus.

Common names

Aloe, Aloe 'Crosby's Prolific', Aloe 'Lavender Star', Lavender Star Aloe, Aloe 'Christmas Sleigh'

How to care for Aloe

Difficulty

Caring for Aloe is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Aloe does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Aloe, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Aloe requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Aloe 'Crosby's Prolific' is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Aloe to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Aloe plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Aloe grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Aloe’s native range is Southern Africa to India.


More info:
Wikipedia