Scientific Name
Aloe elgonica Bullock
Common Name(s)
Mt. Elgon Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Description
Aloe elgonica is an attractive succulent that forms clumps of erect or decumbent stems, each topped by a rosette of glossy, medium-green leaves. It grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. The rosettes can reach a diameter of 1 foot (30 cm). Leaves are recurved with deltoid teeth along the margins. They are blushed with pink when first emerging.
Flowers are bright red and appear in densely flowered racemes on a simple or branching inflorescence from late spring to mid-summer.
Origin
Aloe elgonica is native to Kenya. It occurs from 6,500 to 7,800 feet (1,980 to 2,380 m) on Mount Elgon.
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 plants. 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.
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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