Scientific Name
Aloe succotrina Lam.
Common Name(s)
Fynbos Aloe, Mountain Aloe, Table Mountain Aloe
Synonym(s)
Aloe soccotorina, Aloe soccotrina
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
Aloe succotrina is endemic to Cape Town and the south-western corner of the Western Cape of South Africa.
Description
Aloe succotrina is an attractive succulent shrub that forms rosettes of many upcurved dull gray-green leaves with a few white spots and attractive white margins and teeth. It can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. Solitary specimens do occur, but this plant usually grows in dense clumps. It can develop a short trunk but is mainly stemless. The rosettes can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter. The leaves can measure up to 18 inches (45 cm) long and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide. Old leaves and leaf bases are often stained a purple color.
The flowers are bright orange-red and tubular, appearing on unbranched spikes that grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) long in winter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aloes are very forgiving plants. 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, in spring, repot Aloes that have tipped over their pots or ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. When repotting a larger plant, dividing the root ball is possible. Some varieties of Aloe will send off offsets that can be potted independently.
Aloe plants need strong, bright light. Once acclimated, they can withstand full summer sun. 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.
Hybrids
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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