Scientific Name
Aloe 'Lizard Lips'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
This succulent is a hybrid by John Bleck. It was created from a cross between Aloe descoingsii and Aloe calcairophila, and the result crossed with Aloe bellatula.
Description
Aloe 'Lizard Lips' is a small succulent that forms attractive rosettes of triangular leaves marked with paler green, almost white patterns. The rosettes produce offsets freely to form a clump up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Leaf margins are creamy-white and lined with tiny white teeth. Flowers are tubular, peach orange, and appear on tall spikes in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe 'Lizard Lips'
Light: When growing A. 'Lizard Lips' indoors, place your plant near a window that gets plenty of bright indirect light. Rotate the pot once or twice a week so that all sides of the plant receive equal lighting. Outdoors provide light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Plant A. 'Lizard Lips' in a well-drained soil mix formulated for succulents or make your own. Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can cause root rot.
Temperature: This succulent grows at its best at temperatures between 50 to 85 °F (10 to 30 °C). When temperatures shift below 50 °F (10 °C), it is time to bring your plant back inside. A. 'Lizard Lips' can withstand temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1.1 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: This succulent does need regular watering but is 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. Do not let water stand in the rosettes.
Fertilizing: A. 'Lizard Lips' generally does not require fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients. Feed with a fertilizer for succulents in spring and summer only. Be sure to follow the label directions.
Repotting: This plant is not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot it in the spring in a container a few inches larger in diameter every few years to keep it from becoming rootbound.
Propagation: Propagating A. 'Lizard Lips' can be done using seeds or offsets from a mature plant. Remove the offsets from late spring to early summer. For best results, sow seeds during the warm months.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe 'Lizard Lips'
A. 'Lizard Lips' is not listed as toxic for people and pets.
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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