Aloe haworthioides aka White Spiked Aloe

Taxonomy

Aloe haworthioides, a species of plant in the Aloe genus, is native to Madagascar and is often grown as a houseplant in colder climates. Its leaves are covered in soft spines, resembling those of Haworthia species. This small, tropical plant forms stemless, clumping offsets and produces orange, highly fragrant flowers. Aloe haworthioides comes in many varieties, some of which flower in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The leaves are spiky and fleshy, with lanceolate dark green leaves up to 4 cms. long, and soft white marginal hairy spines. With proper care and plenty of sunlight, an Aloe plant can bloom beautifully. The succulent leaves evolved to store water in dry climates, making them a perfect fit for busy plant parents who don't have much time for watering.

Common names

White Spiked Aloe

How to care for White Spiked Aloe

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

When growing the White Spiked 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

White Spiked 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 White Spiked Aloe is always in the right place to thrive.

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

White Spiked 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 White Spiked 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

White Spiked Aloe’s native range is Southern Africa to India.


More info:
Wikipedia