Scientific Name
×Alworthia 'Black Gem'
Synonyms
Aloe 'Black Gem'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Genus: ×Alworthia
Description
×Alworthia 'Black Gem', also known as Aloe 'Black Gem', is a popular succulent that forms stemless rosettes of thick, fleshy, triangular leaves that vary in color from dark green to reddish, bronze, or purple. It produces many tight offsets, creating a large clump. Leaves become darker and redder the more sun they get.
This hybrid is also sold as ×Alworthia pentagona 'Black Gem'.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aloe is a very forgiving plant, and a well-grown plant can be quite beautiful. However, as with all succulents, Aloe must never be allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering.
These succulents are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. In the spring, repot Aloes that are tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. A well-drained potting mix is essential. Use a cactus or succulent soil mix. During repotting of a larger plant, it is possible to divide the root ball carefully. Some varieties of Aloe will send off offsets that can be potted independently.
Aloe plants need strong, bright light. They can withstand full summer sun once acclimated. In the winter, provide bright light. These plants prefer warmer temperatures of 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) but will survive down to 40 °F (4.5 °C). Feed with a fertilizer for cacti and other succulents in spring and summer only.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Origin
This succulent is an intergeneric hybrid supposedly resulting from the cross between Aloe speciosa and Haworthia cymbiformis.
Forms
Links
- Back to genus ×Alworthia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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