Scientific Name
Aloe 'Doran Black'
Synonym(s)
Often incorrectly called Aloe 'Dorian Black'.
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
Aloe 'Doran Black' is a hybrid developed by Dick Wright and named after the late nurseryman Doran Black.
Description
Aloe 'Doran Black' is a beautiful small succulent that forms rosettes of heavily rough-textured and spotted leaves. The rosettes can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter and produce new offsets around the base. In full sun, the leaves are whitish-green and mottled with shades of orange or copper.
The flowers are orange to red, bell-shaped, and appear atop a long spike.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °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 should be carefully monitored for signs of overwatering.
These succulents are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. However, in spring, repot Aloes that have tipped over their pots or 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. Once acclimated, they can withstand full summer sun. 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Links
- Back to genus Aloe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
