Aloe 'Rooikappie'

Scientific Name

Aloe 'Rooikappie'

Common Name(s)

Little Red Riding Hood Aloe

Synonym(s)

Aloe rudikoppe, Aloe 'Little Gem'

Scientific Classification

Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe

Etymology

The hybrid name "Rooikappie" means "little red cap" in Afrikaans and was the name used for the Grimm's fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood."

Origin

Aloe 'Rooikappie' is a hybrid created by the late Cynthia Giddy from a cross of an unknown Aloe and Aloe zubb (formerly distributed as Aloe sinkatana).

Description

Aloe 'Rooikappie' is a lovely small succulent with rosettes of green, attractively spotted leaves. The rosettes can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter and produce numerous offsets, forming a dense clump. The leaves are triangular in shape and arch outward, then slightly downwards near the tips.

This plant is known for being a repeat bloomer, offering a display of flowers all year round, but is especially abundant in the fall. The showy orange flowers with yellow interiors appear in dense, pyramidal clusters on erect, branched stalks that can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height.

How to Grow and Care for Aloe 'Rooikappie'

Light: When growing Aloe 'Rooikappie' indoors, place it in a window with plenty of bright indirect light. 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 'Rooikappie' 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 'Rooikappie', 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 'Rooikappie'

Aloe 'Rooikappie' is not listed as toxic for people and pets.

Photo Gallery

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