Scientific Name
Aloe umfoloziensis Reynolds
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
This species 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 grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall. Leaves are thick, fleshy, lance-shaped, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) wide, with a portion of the apex dried and twisted. The leaf margins are armed with strong deltoid, up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long teeth. Flowers are up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, dull red to orange-red with pinched bases and orange lips. They appear on much-branched inflorescences from late winter to early spring.
This species is a part of the Saponariae series, together with Aloe davyana, Aloe greatheadii, Aloe maculata, and Aloe petrophila.
Etymology
The specific epithet "umfoloziensis" derives from "Umfolozi" and the Latin suffix "ensis," meaning "pertaining to or originating in," and refers to the location in which the species was found, Umfolozi River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe umfoloziensis
Light: When growing A. umfoloziensis indoors, place your plant near a window with plenty of bright indirect light. 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 using the 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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