Aloe 'White Lightning' is one of the Kelly Griffin hybrids sold under two names.
Scientific Name
Aloe 'White Lightning'
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
Aloe 'White Lightning' is a hybrid created by Kelly Griffin while he worked as the Curator of Xerophytes at Rancho Soledad Nurseries in Rancho Santa Fe, California, United States. This hybrid is also distributed under the Retro Gang name Aloe 'Diego' and often misspelled as Aloe 'White Lightening'. The parentage is unknown.
Description
Aloe 'White Lightning', also sold as Aloe 'Diego', is a charming small succulent that forms rosettes of textured, white and green leaves with irregular marginal teeth. As it matures, the plant produces offsets around the base, forming a dense clump. The fleshy triangular leaves take on brown hues when exposed to intense sunlight.
During summer and fall, the plant produces loose clusters of tubular red flowers on ascending, usually unbranched stalks that can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe 'White Lightning'
Light: When growing Aloe 'White Lightning' indoors, place it in a window with plenty of bright indirect light. Rotate the pot once or twice a week to ensure all sides of the plant receive equal lighting. Outdoors, the plant prefers light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Great drainage is essential for growing this plant because too much moisture for an extended period can cause root rot. Use commercial soil for succulents, or make your own well-draining mix.
Temperature: When temperatures shift below 50 °F (10 °C), it is time to bring this plant inside. It tolerates heat fairly well but will not survive a hard frost. Aloe 'White Lightning' grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: This plant needs regular watering but can tolerate drought conditions for short periods. Water deeply, but only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, and do not let water stand in the rosettes. Cut back on watering during the winter months.
Fertilizing: Although it generally does not require fertilizer, Aloe 'White Lightning' will benefit from extra nutrients. Use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: Repot only as needed during spring. Pick a container that is one size larger and with drainage holes.
Propagation: To propagate Aloe 'White Lightning', remove the offsets from a mature plant from late spring to early summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe 'White Lightning'
Aloe 'White Lightning' 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
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
