This hybrid was initially sold as Aloe 'Starry Night' and is now being sold as Aloe 'Night Sky' after being patented by Altman Plants.
Scientific Name
Aloe 'Night Sky'
Synonym(s)
Aloe 'Starry Night'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
Aloe 'Night Sky' is a hybrid created by Renee O'Connell and results from a crossing made in March 2015 at a commercial greenhouse in Vista, California, United States. It was selected by the inventor in 2016 and patented (PP32863) by Altman Plants in 2021.
Description
Aloe 'Night Sky', also sold as Aloe 'Starry Night', is a beautiful small succulent that forms star-shaped rosettes of olive green leaves with some white spots. It produces offsets profusely, quickly creating a clump. The leaves are lance-shaped and have sharp teeth along the margins at intervals of 0.6 to 0.8 inches (1.5 to 2 cm). They can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and 0.2 inches (5 cm) wide. The leaves take on beautiful bronze hues when exposed to direct sunlight and cold temperatures.
From late fall to early winter, Aloe 'Night Sky' produces tubular flowers arranged in racemes with a short stalk. The racemes can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in height and 2.4 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter. The flowers are orange with yellow-green tips and can grow up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in length and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in width at the widest point.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe 'Night Sky'
Light: When growing Aloe 'Night Sky' indoors, place it in a window with plenty of bright indirect sunlight. Rotate the pot once or twice a week to ensure all sides of the plant receive equal lighting. Outdoors, the plant prefers light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Great drainage is essential for growing this plant because too much moisture for an extended period can cause root rot. Use commercial soil for succulents, or make your own well-draining mix.
Temperature: When temperatures shift below 50 °F (10 °C), it is time to bring this plant inside. It tolerates heat fairly well but will not survive a hard frost. Aloe 'Night Sky' grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: This plant needs regular watering but can tolerate drought conditions for short periods. Water deeply, but only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, and do not let water stand in the rosettes. Cut back on watering during the winter months.
Fertilizing: Although it generally does not require fertilizer, this plant will benefit from extra nutrients. Use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: Repot only as needed during spring. Pick a container that is one size larger and has drainage holes.
Propagation: To propagate Aloe 'Night Sky', remove the offsets from a mature plant from late spring to early summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe 'Night Sky'
Aloe 'Night Sky' 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
Photo Gallery
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