Aloe dorotheae aka Sunset Aloe

Taxonomy

Aloe dorotheae is a stunning succulent plant that belongs to the Asphodelaceae family and is found natively in Tanzania. This critically endangered plant grows up to 12 inches tall, producing rosettes of shiny, yellowish-green leaves that turn to an orange-red hue when exposed to full sunlight. The leaves are fleshy and recurved, with teeth along the margins and occasionally dotted with white spots. Aloe dorotheae produces tubular flowers, which are usually orange-red or yellow with green tips. These flowers grow on a typically unbranched, up to 2-foot-long flower stalk, appearing in winter. Aloe vera is a well-known member of this genus, but there are many other beautiful succulent plants that come in various colors. Their leaves, which evolved to store water in arid regions, make them an ideal choice for busy plant owners. With proper care and ample sunlight, Aloe plants may even bloom with spike-like flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Common names

Sunset Aloe, Aloe Maculata

How to care for Sunset Aloe

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Sunset Aloe due to its easy-going nature.

Water

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

Soil

The Sunset Aloe is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Sunset Aloe prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

Sunset Aloe thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Sunset Aloe is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Sunset Aloe’s native range is Southern Africa to India.


More info:
Wikipedia