Aloe hemmingii

Taxonomy

Aloe hemmingii is an attractive succulent species found in Somalia. It forms rosettes of shiny, lime green to dark green or orange leaves with numerous white linear spots, growing up to 10 inches in diameter. The rosettes have 10 to 15 leaves and produce yellow to reddish flowers in spring on an unbranched or few-branched inflorescence. Aloe hemmingii is often mistakenly sold as Aloe harlana by nurseries and garden centers, and is very similar to Aloe somaliensis. Aloe plants, in general, come in a variety of colors and evolved to store water in their succulent leaves to thrive in dry climates. With proper care and plenty of sunlight, Aloe plants can even bloom with flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

How to care for Aloe hemmingii

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

When growing the Aloe hemmingii, 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Aloe hemmingii prefers bright indirect 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 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 hemmingii 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 hemmingii 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 hemmingii’s native range is Southern Africa to India.


More info:
Wikipedia