Aloe vanbalenii (Aloe vanbalenii) 6 seeds

Aloe vanbalenii - Aloe vanbalenii - 6 seeds

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

This aloe is exceptional primarily for its growth habit. It reaches heights of up to 2m and widths of up to 3m! It has yellow-green leaves with characteristic red margins, which are tipped with spines. The leaves turn red when the plant is grown in dry conditions and full sun. It blooms with orange-red flowers that appear from winter to early spring.

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). Tolerates dry air. The plant must be repotted every two to three years.

• Seeds are sown in a substrate composed of peat and sand in a 50:50 ratio. 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. Typically, a soil mix is used consisting of compost, leaf mould and sand in a 1:1:1 ratio.

• 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 during winter months, if the substrate is not well-dried, root rot may occur leading to the death of the entire plant. Water moderately, minimally during winter months.

Photo sources:
http://pza.sanbi.org/aloe-vanbalenii
http://earthlandscapes.blogspot.com/2009/07/indigenous-beauties-aloe-vanbalenii.html