Aloe humilis aka Hedgehog Aloe

Taxonomy

The Aloe plant is a popular succulent that comes in many different varieties, including the Aloe humilis, also known as the spider or Hedgehog Aloe. This low-growing plant is endemic to South Africa's Cape Province and typically grows in dense clusters. The sword-like leaves of the Hedgehog Aloe turn silver-green during the seasons and have sharp spikes, which gives them an attractive look resembling a hedgehog. The plant is relatively easy to take care of and can bloom with pinkish-orange flowers. Aloe plants are perfect for busy plant parents as their succulent leaves evolved to store water in dry climates. With proper care and a lot of sunlight, you may even see your Aloe bloom in shades of red, orange, and yellow. So, whether you're looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance houseplant or a unique addition to your windowsill, the Aloe plant is a great choice!

Common names

Hedgehog Aloe, Dwarf Hedgehog Aloe, Spider Aloe

How to care for Hedgehog Aloe

Difficulty

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

Water

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

Soil

To keep your Hedgehog 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

Hedgehog 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 Dwarf Hedgehog Aloe is always in the right place to thrive.

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

Hedgehog 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 Hedgehog 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

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


More info:
Wikipedia