Aloe maculata aka Soap Aloe
Taxonomy
Common names
Soap Aloe, Broadleaf Aloe, Blotched AloeHow to care for Soap Aloe
Difficulty
Caring for Soap Aloe is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Soap Aloe does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
When growing the Soap 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
Soap 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 Broadleaf Aloe is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Soap Aloe to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Soap Aloe is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
Soap 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 Soap 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.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the Soap Aloe as it grows vertically.
Region of origin
Soap Aloe’s native range is Southern Africa to India.
Flower
Yes, if you provide your Soap Aloe with adequate sunlight and water, you can expect it to bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia