Aloe rupestris (Aloe rupestris) 6 seeds

Aloe rupestris - Aloe rupestris - 6 Seeds

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

Native to South Africa, Mozambique and Eswatini. It grows on sun-exposed slopes in sandy soil. This plant is very rare, as it is considered the fastest-growing aloe ever. In its homeland, it reaches heights of up to 8 m. In our conditions, it only grows to 3 m.

The leaves are dark green, thorny, arranged in a compact rosette. It flowers on stems up to 1.5 m tall, which may be more than one in number. The flower is a cylindrical raceme.

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 well-lit location. The ideal temperature for cultivation 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 consisting 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. Sowing is done in spring.

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

• It is advisable to fertilize the plants once every 14 days with special mineral fertilizers, preferably phosphorus-based ones.

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

Photo Sources:
By JMK - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20685599
By JMK - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20686063