Scientific Name
Aloe 'Viper'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Description
Aloe 'Viper' is a wild-looking succulent that forms a dense cluster of rosettes of upright, bright green leaves with raised orange-red bumps running longitudinally on all surfaces. The rosettes can grow up to 1 foot (30 cm) in height and nearly equal in diameter.
The flowers are orange, not much taller than the foliage, and appear in winter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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 the spring, repot Aloes tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. When repotting a larger plant, dividing the root ball carefully 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Origin
Aloe 'Viper' is one of the Kelly Griffin fancy-foliage hybrids that Xeric Growers Nursery is selling. As with many of Kelly's hybrids, this plant involves crossing several species over several generations. Xeric Growers notes the inspiration for the name "Viper" was that "it just looks like it is bleeding from every orifice. The raised red bumps appear to be erupting from the bright green leaves as if the plant had been injected with deadly venom and is about to explode."
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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