Scientific Name
Aloe umfoloziensis Reynolds
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The specific epithet "umfoloziensis (um-foh-loz-ee-EN-sis)" refers to the Umfolozi River in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.
Origin
Aloe umfoloziensis is native to South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal).
Description
Aloe umfoloziensis is a succulent plant that forms stemless or short-stemmed rosettes of green to brownish-green leaves with dull white spots irregularly scattered or sometimes arranged in a series of interrupted transverse bands. It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The leaves are thick, fleshy, lance-shaped, with a portion of the apex dried and twisted, and can measure up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 3.6 inches (9 cm) wide. The leaf margins are lined with strong deltoid teeth up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long.
The flowers are dull red to orange-red with pinched bases and orange lips. They can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long and appear in much-branched inflorescences from late winter to early spring.
Aloe umfoloziensis is a part of the Saponariae series, including Aloe davyana, Aloe greatheadii, Aloe maculata, and Aloe petrophila.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe umfoloziensis
Light: When growing A. umfoloziensis indoors, place your plant in a window with plenty of bright indirect sunlight. Rotate the pot once or twice a week so that all sides of the plant receive equal lighting. Outdoors provide light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Plant A. umfoloziensis in a well-drained soil mix specially formulated for succulents or make your own. Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can cause root rot.
Hardiness: When temperatures shift below 50 °F (10 °C), it is time to bring your plant back inside. A. umfoloziensis can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.
Watering: This succulent does need regular watering but is very tolerant of drought conditions for short periods. Water deeply, but only when the soil is dry. Cut back on watering during the winter months. Do not let water stand in the rosettes.
Fertilizing: A. umfoloziensis generally does not require fertilizer but may benefit from the extra nutrients. Feed with a fertilizer for succulents in spring and summer only. Be sure to follow the label directions.
Repotting: This plant is not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot it in the spring in a container a few inches larger in diameter every few years to keep it from becoming rootbound.
Propagation: Propagating A. umfoloziensis can be done by offsets, cuttings, or seeds from a mature plant. Remove offsets from the mother plant or take cuttings with a sharp knife in late spring or early summer. For best results, sow seeds during the warm months.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe umfoloziensis
A. umfoloziensis 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
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