Aloe rauhii aka White Aloe

Taxonomy

Aloe rauhii, also known as snowflake aloe, is a rare and highly drought-resistant succulent plant that is native to Madagascar. It is named after Professor Werner Rauh, a former professor of Botany at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. This green and white species has thin and narrow leaves and can thrive in low light conditions, though it may turn violet or bronze in bright sun. Snowflake Aloe can remain small in a pot or develop into mounding clumps as it produces new offsets around its base. The offsets can be removed and transplanted or left to cluster. In winter or spring, the plant can send up a bloom stalk over a foot tall, from which dangle coral, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. Aloe rauhii is the mother of many hybrids and is emblematic of the mottled "mosaic" pattern sought by many Aloe enthusiasts. This plant belongs to a genus of succulent plants that come in a variety of colors and have evolved to store water in their leaves, making them a perfect fit for busy plant parents. With proper care and sufficient sunlight, Aloe rauhii may even bloom, producing flowers that can be shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Common names

White Aloe, Snowflake Aloe, Blue Star Aloe

How to care for White Aloe

Difficulty

White Aloe requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

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

Soil

When it comes to the White Aloe, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

White Aloe requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your White Aloe will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

White 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 growth of White Aloe is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia