Scientific Name
Aloe albida (Stapf) Reynolds
Common Name(s)
Grass Aloe
Synonym(s)
Aloe kraussii var. minor, Aloe myriacantha var. minor, Leptaloe albida
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The specific epithet "albida (AL-bi-da)" means "white" and refers to the white flowers of this species.
Origin
Aloe albida is native to South Africa and Swaziland. It grows in montane grassland and rock crevices where the grasses are kept quite short.
Description
Aloe albida is a stemless succulent with dull green leaves arranged in a rosette and attractive white flowers that usually appear in early fall. It can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall and proliferate below the ground, forming a dense clump. This Aloe is one of the plants commonly known as Grass Aloes. The leaves are narrow, with margins armed with tiny white teeth, and they can measure up to 20 inches (50 cm) long and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) wide.
The flowers appear in a head-shaped raceme on simple, erect stalks that can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall.
Aloe albida is similar to Aloe saundersiae and Aloe inconspicua.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe albida
Light: When growing A. albida indoors, place your plant in a window with plenty of bright indirect sunlight. 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. albida in a well-drained soil mix specially formulated for succulents or make your own. Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can cause root rot.
Hardiness: When temperatures shift below 50 °F (10 °C), it is time to bring your plant back inside. A. albida can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.
Watering: This succulent needs regular watering but is very tolerant of short periods of drought. 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. albida 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. To prevent rootbound, repot it in the spring in a container a few inches larger in diameter every few years.
Propagation: A. albida can be propagated using offsets, cuttings, or seeds from a mature plant. In late spring or early summer, remove offsets from the mother plant or take cuttings with a sharp knife. For best results, sow seeds during the warm months.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe albida
A. albida 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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