Aloe ferox aka Bitter Aloe
Taxonomy
Aloe ferox, also known as bitter aloe or Cape aloe, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae. It is native to southern Africa and can grow up to 10 feet tall in dry-tropical climates with open sandy-loamy soil and full sun. Its leaves are more compact and erect than those of its closest relatives, with reddish-brown teeth on the margins and keel of the leaf near the tip. Aloe ferox is one of several Aloe species used to make bitter aloes, a purgative medication, but it also yields a non-bitter gel that can be used in cosmetics. Like other Aloe species, Aloe ferox has succulent leaves that store water, making it a great fit for busy plant parents. With proper care and sunlight, Aloe ferox may even bloom, producing flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Common names
Bitter Aloe, Cape Aloe, Red AloeHow to care for Bitter Aloe
Difficulty
Caring for Bitter Aloe is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Bitter Aloe does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To keep your Bitter Aloe healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
Lighting
Bitter 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 Cape Aloe is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Bitter Aloe to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Humidity
Bitter Aloe enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.
Fertilizer
The Bitter Aloe is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.
Region of origin
Bitter Aloe’s native range is Southern Africa to India.
More info:
Wikipedia
