Scientific Name
Aloe humilis (L.) Mill.
Common Name(s)
Blue Dwarf Aloe, Crocodile Jaws, Crocodile Jaws Aloe, Dwarf Hedgehog Aloe, Hedgehog Aloe, Spider Aloe
Synonym(s)
Aloe perfoliata var. humilis, Catevala humilis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The specific epithet "humilis (HEW-mil-is)" means "low, small, slight" and refers to the growing habit of the species.
Origin
Aloe humilis is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Western Cape).
Description
Aloe humilis is a small succulent that forms dense clusters of stemless or short-stemmed rosettes of pale blue-green leaves with irregular bumps and soft spines along the margins. It is a very variable species in the size and shape of leaves and the size, shape, and number of bumps and marginal spines. The rosettes can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The leaves are triangular, erect or incurved, measuring up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) long and 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) wide.
From late winter to spring, Aloe humilis produces spikes of red to orange, pendulous flowers atop stalks that can grow up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The tubular flowers can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe humilis
Light: When growing Aloes indoors, place your plants in a southern or southwest-facing window with plenty of bright, indirect light. Outdoors provide light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Plant Aloes in well-drained soil specially formulated for cacti and other succulents, or make your soil mix. Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can cause root rot.
Hardiness: Aloe humilis can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.
Watering: These succulents need regular watering but are very tolerant of drought conditions for short periods. Water deeply, but only when the soil is dry. Cut back on watering during the winter months.
Fertilizing: Aloes generally do not require fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients.
Repotting: These plants are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot them in the spring in a container a few inches larger in diameter every few years to keep them from becoming rootbound.
Propagation: Propagating Aloe can be done by using the offsets, cuttings, or seeds from a mature plant.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe humilis
Aloe littoralis is not listed as toxic for people and pets.
Hybrids of Aloe humilis
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.
