Aloe ×caesia

Scientific Name

Aloe ×caesia Salm-Dyck

Synonym(s)

Aloe caesia, Aloe caesia var. elatior, Aloe fulgens, Aloe principis, Aloe salm-dyckiana, Aloe salm-dyckiana var. fulgens, Aloe ×fulgens, Aloe ×principis, Aloe ×salm-dyckiana, Pachidendron principis, Pachidendron ×principis

Scientific Classification

Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe

Description

Aloe ×caesia is a robust, multi-stemmed succulent shrub with glaucous to dark green leaves arranged in rosettes on several trunks. It can grow up to 9 feet (2.7 m) tall.

The inflorescence rises to 3 feet (90 cm) above the foliage and bears dark red flowers from winter to spring.

Hardiness

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

How to Grow and Care

Aloes are very forgiving plants. However, as with all succulents, They must never be allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plants should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering.

These succulents are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. However, in the spring, repot Aloes tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. When repotting a larger plant, dividing the root ball carefully is possible. 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. 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 succulent 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.

Origin

Aloe ×caesia is thought to be a naturally occurring hybrid resulting from the cross between Aloe ferox and Aloe arborescens.

Photo Gallery

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