Aloe 'Brass Hat'

Scientific Name

Aloe 'Brass Hat'

Scientific Classification

Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe

Description

Aloe 'Brass Hat' is a small succulent that forms rosettes of dark bronze, almost black leaves with reddish margins lined with small, soft teeth. It can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall and form clumps. The rosettes can reach a diameter of 4.4 inches (11 cm). The leaves get their best color in winter.

The flowers are tubular, have yellow, orange, and light green in them, and appear throughout the year on extremely long stalks.

Origin

Aloe 'Brass Hat' is sometimes listed as an Ed Hummel hybrid, but it is a hybrid created by John Bleck with a complicated but well-documented heritage, as follows (Aloe haworthioides × Aloe bakeri) × ((Aloe descoingsii × Aloe calcairophila (basically Aloe 'Pepe') × again to Aloe bakeri).

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Aloes are very forgiving plans. 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.

Aloes are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot plants in the spring that are tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third of sand or pebbles. When repotting a larger plant, dividing the root ball carefully is possible. Some kinds of Aloe will send off off-sets that can be potted independently.

It needs intense, bright light. They can withstand full summer sun once acclimated. In the winter, provide bright light. It prefers warmer temperatures of 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) but will survive down to 40 °F (4.5 °C). Feed with a cactus fertilizer in the summer only. Suspend feeding in the winter as the plant goes dormant.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.

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