Aloe pluridens (Aloe pluridens) 6 seeds

Aloe pluridens - Aloe pluridens - 6 seeds

Aloes are drought-tolerant to succulent thick-leaved plants with fleshy leaves, often with variously spiny-toothed edges. The leaves of some species contain secretory cells producing juice. They form a basal rosette of leaves, which can be on a stem in older plants.

Aloe pluridens is a plant growing up to 5 m tall, which has spirally arranged leaves. The long narrow leaves reach up to 70 cm. They are light green to yellow-green in colour and have firm, closely arranged small light green to white spines. It is particularly suitable for container growing, where it reaches a height of only 3m.

How to grow Aloe

• Requires light, well-draining soil and plenty of light. Low temperatures and too much water are harmful. Aloe thrives best on a windowsill or other bright location. The ideal temperature for growing is around 25°C. In winter, keep it in a cooler place (temperature 15 - 18°C). It tolerates dry air. The plant must be repotted every two to three years.

• Sow seeds in a substrate composed of a 50:50 ratio of peat and sand. Gently press the seeds onto the surface of the seed tray. Water from below. Maintain a constant temperature of 21°C. Sow in spring.

• Requires well-draining, gravelly substrate that should dry out well. Usually a soil mix consisting of compost, leaf mould and sand in a 1:1:1 ratio is used.

• Plants should be fertilised once every 14 days with special mineral fertilisers, preferably phosphorus-based ones.

• Does not suffer from diseases and pests. However, especially in winter months, if the substrate is not well dried out, root rot and death of the entire plant can occur. Water moderately, minimally in winter months.

Photo sources:
By Andrew massyn - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15526032
By Abu Shawka - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38278015