Aloe sinkatana (Sudan Aloe)

Scientific Name

Aloe sinkatana Reynolds

Common Names

Sudan Aloe

Scientific Classification

Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe

Description

Aloe sinkatana is a stemless, evergreen, perennial succulent up to 1 feet (30 cm) tall, producing a dense rosette of 16 to 20, light-green leaves. It has oblong white translucent blotches arranged in a series of irregular transverse bands. The leaf margins are tinged in pink to reddish-orange and armed with forward pointing sharp, prickly pink to brownish teeth. This plant will offset freely from its base. The flowers are yellow and held in flattened globes on the end of up to 2 foot (60 cm) long flower spikes. The heaviest bloom time is in winter. Blooms make long-lasting cut flowers.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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. As with all succulents, it's essential that Aloe is never allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering.

Aloe are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot plants in the spring that are tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. During repotting of a larger plant, it is possible to carefully divide the root ball. Some kinds of Aloe will send off off-sets that can be potted independently.

It needs strong, 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 cactus fertilizer in the summer only. Suspend feeding in the winter as the plant goes dormant… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Aloe

Origin

Native to Sudan.

Subspecies, Varieties, Forms, Cultivars and Hybrids

• Aloe 'Blue Sky'

Links

• Back to genus Aloe
• Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

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