Aloe reitzii aka Reitz's Aloe

Aloe reitzii is a stemless, rosette-forming succulent. The typical variety (var. reitzii) reaches roughly 60-90 cm tall with a rosette spread of about 0.9-1.2 m, occasionally growing to around 1.5 m overall, while var. vernalis is more compact at about 500 mm tall with tightly packed leaves up to 120 mm wide. Growth is slow: seed-grown plants typically take five to seven years to reach flowering size.

Aloe reitzii is endemic to South Africa. Var. reitzii occurs only in a very small area near Belfast in Mpumalanga, particularly the Tonteldoos valley between Roossenekal and Dullstroom, while var. vernalis is restricted to steep granitic cliffs in dry grassland of the Vryheid district of KwaZulu-Natal. The species may also extend into Eswatini, and GBIF records list the Limpopo and Northern provinces as part of its native range.

Aloe reitzii is drought-tolerant and prefers minimal watering. SANBI rates it drought-resistant in the open garden, and Succulent City advises that potted plants only need watering during the summer growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings to avoid root rot.

Plant in well-drained soil. SANBI notes that var. reitzii grows on sandy, clay or loamy soils of roughly neutral pH, and Succulent City emphasises that good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging.

The species tolerates a wide temperature range. SANBI notes var. reitzii tolerates both frost and fire, and Succulent City recommends keeping plants above about 10°C (50°F) for best performance, while they can also handle heat above 30°C (86°F).

A light feeding regime suits this aloe. Succulent City suggests a high-potash, low-nitrogen fertiliser during the active growing season; in the wild it grows on relatively poor grassland soils, so heavy feeding is unnecessary.

Aloe reitzii produces tall spikes of red flowers. Var. reitzii flowers in late summer with erect, slightly rubbery red blooms, an unusual season among aloes and one that makes it especially useful in frost-prone gardens. Var. vernalis flowers earlier in late winter to spring (August-September) with dark red flowers that gradually turn yellow as they age. In both varieties the flowers attract sunbirds.

Two varieties are recognised: Aloe reitzii var. reitzii from Mpumalanga, which is taller (to about 1.5 m), summer-flowering and not currently listed as Critically Endangered; and Aloe reitzii var. vernalis D.S.Hardy from KwaZulu-Natal, which is smaller (around 500 mm), winter-to-spring flowering and Critically Endangered in the wild.

Aloe reitzii is well suited to outdoor cultivation in warm-temperate to subtropical climates. SANBI rates var.

Aloe reitzii is usually propagated from fresh seed sown in spring on a well-drained medium treated with fungicide; seedlings emerge in two to four weeks and are transplanted after about six months, but they take five to seven years to flower. Where rosettes produce offsets, dividing or removing offsets is a faster route to flowering-size plants.

Both varieties are bird-pollinated. SANBI documents sunbirds visiting the red flower spikes for nectar and transferring pollen as they feed; var. vernalis is similarly pollinated by sunbirds in its KwaZulu-Natal habitat.

Wild populations of var. vernalis are damaged by baboons and threatened by invasive prickly pear (Opuntia) seedlings encroaching on their cliff habitat, and harvesting for traditional medicine is also a documented pressure. SANBI does not list specific cultivated-plant pests for var. reitzii.

SANBI notes that var. vernalis is harvested in the wild for medicinal use, and the broader Aloe genus has a long folk-medicine history; however, there is no peer-reviewed documentation of specific medicinal applications for Aloe reitzii. The US FDA banned the use of aloin (the yellow sap found across many aloes) in over-the-counter laxative products in 2002 on safety grounds, and Wikipedia notes there is no evidence that aloe products prevent or treat cancer.

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

Reitz's 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 Reitz's Aloe will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

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.

During the cold period, it is common for Reitz's Aloe to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.