Scientific Name
Aloe aculeata Pole-Evans
Common Name(s)
Prickly Aloe, Red Hot Poker Aloe, White-thorn Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
This species is native to South Africa (Limpopo and Mpumalanga) and parts of southern and central Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It occurs on rocky outcrops in grassland and dry sandy bushveld.
Description
Aloe aculeata is a succulent plant that forms a compact, stemless, usually solitary rosette of dull green to glaucous leaves with scattered reddish-brown spines from a pale circular base on the lower surface, along the margins, and few usually near the apex of the upper surface. The rosette is up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and nearly equal in diameter. Leaves are erect and often slightly incurved, lance-shaped, terminating in a sharp spine, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and 4.8 inches (12 cm) wide. They turn bronze in dry conditions.
Flowers are reddish-orange to yellow in the bud, orange to yellow at flowering, and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. They appear in dense, many-flowered racemes on a stout, simple or branched peduncle, usually in winter. The racemes are cylindrical, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long, and up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter. Seed capsules are greyish, oblong, up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, and contain dark, narrowly winged seeds.
Etymology
The specific epithet "aculeata (a-kew-lee-AH-tuh)" means "prickly" and refers to the spines on the surfaces of the leaves and the teeth on its margins.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe aculeata
Light: When growing A. aculeata indoors, place your plant in a window that gets plenty of bright indirect light. Rotate the pot once or twice a week so that all sides of the plant receive equal lighting. Outdoors provide light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Plant A. aculeata in a well-drained soil mix formulated for succulents or make your own. Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can cause root rot.
Temperature: This succulent grows at its best at temperatures between 50 to 85 °F (10 to 30 °C). When temperatures shift below 50 °F (10 °C), it is time to bring your plant back inside. A. aculeata can withstand temperatures as low as 25 °F (-3.9 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: This succulent does need regular watering but is very tolerant of drought conditions for short periods. Water deeply, but only when the soil is dry. Cut back on watering during the winter months. Do not let water stand in the rosettes.
Fertilizing: A. aculeata generally does not require fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients. Feed with a fertilizer for succulents in spring and summer only. Be sure to follow the label directions.
Repotting: This plant is not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot it in the spring in a container a few inches larger in diameter every few years to keep it from becoming rootbound.
Propagation: Since A. aculeata is a species with a solitary growth habit, it can be propagated only from seeds. For best results, sow seeds during the warm months.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe aculeata
A. aculeata is not listed as toxic for people and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Aloe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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