Haworthiopsis venosa aka Dragon Scale Aloe
Taxonomy
Haworthiopsis venosa, also known as venstertjie in Afrikaans, is a mat-forming succulent perennial that belongs to the family Asphodelaceae. This plant is native to South Africa and Namibia, but it has now spread to homes around the world. The stemless rosettes of this plant consist of 12-15 fleshy, triangular, and lanceolate leaves that are dark green in color and show pale green lines along the upper surfaces. The leaves have small teeth along the margins and are capable of storing water during dry seasons due to their adaptation to harsh, dry climates. Haworthiopsis venosa exhibits a special form of photosynthesis that aids in retaining water by only exchanging gases at night. In the spring season, this plant bears green-white, tubular flowers in racemes that grow up to 15 cm (6 in) long. The genus name Haworthiopsis is derived from the name of the British botanist Adrian Hardy Haworth, while the species epithet venosa means "veined".
Common names
Dragon Scale AloeHow to care for Dragon Scale Aloe
Difficulty
Caring for Dragon Scale Aloe is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Dragon Scale Aloe does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To keep your Dragon Scale 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
Dragon Scale 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 Dragon Scale 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
Dragon Scale 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 Dragon Scale 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
Dragon Scale Aloe’s native range is Southern Africa.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Haworthiopsis Genus
Haworthiopsis rubrobrunnea Haworthia Rubrobrunnea
Haworthiopsis viscosa Dragontail
Haworthiopsis limifolia Fairies Washboard
Haworthiopsis Hawthrorn
Haworthiopsis reinwardtii Zebra Cactus
Haworthiopsis attenuata Zebra Plant
Haworthiopsis fasciata Lizard Tail
Haworthiopsis venosa Dragon Scale Aloe
