Scientific Name
Aloe 'Lizard Lips'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Description
Aloe 'Lizard Lips' is a beautiful dwarf succulent that forms attractive rosettes of tapered dark green leaves with mosaic patterns of lighter green. It grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 8 inches (20 cm) wide. Margins of the leaves are creamy-white, lined with tiny white teeth. Flowers are orange, tubular, and appear on tall spikes throughout the year.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aloe is a very forgiving plant, and a well-grown plant can be quite beautiful. 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.
These succulents are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. However, repot Aloes that are tipping over their pots or have ceased growing in the spring. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. During the repotting of a larger plant, it is possible to divide the root ball carefully. Some varieties of Aloe will send off offsets that can be potted independently.
Aloe plants need 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 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.
Origin
This succulent is a hybrid created by John Bleck between Aloe descoingsii and Aloe calcairophila, and the result crossed with Aloe bellatula.
Links
- Back to genus Aloe
- Succulentopedia: 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.
