Scientific Name
Aloinopsis luckhoffii (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Synonym(s)
Nananthus luckhoffii, Titanopsis luckhoffii
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Aloinopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "luckhoffii" (pronounced "luk-HOF-ee-eye") honors James Lückhoff (1875–1973), a physician at Cape Town and collector of mesembs and other succulents.
Origin
Aloinopsis luckhoffii is native to South Africa (Cape Province).
Description
Aloinopsis luckhoffii is a small succulent with an irregularly thickened rootstock and rosettes of triangular leaves with pearl-like warts, forming small clumps. The rosettes have 2 or 3 pairs of leaves and can reach a diameter of 1.6 inches (4 cm). The leaves range in color from light grass-green to bluish-green and dark purple. The leaves are thick and fleshy, measuring up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) in length and 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in width. They are almost as thick as broad, and have a few grayish-white teeth on the upper surface.
The flowers are daisy-like, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, and range in color from pale yellow and golden yellow to yellowish-bronze and salmon pink. They usually appear at the end of the winter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b: from 10°F (12.2°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
These plants are popular among collectors. They prefer a very porous potting mix to increase drainage. Aloinopsis are winter growers and require plenty of light. Most are somewhat too extremely cold-hardy and bloom in the winter.
Aloinopsis can be cultivated in the ground or a container. They will grow in the cooler parts of the year and flower in winter if they receive sufficient light. Direct sunlight is essential for blooming well. Aloinopsis is likely dormant in the summer, so it is generally recommended not to water much during this time. Do not be surprised if they do not grow at that time. Although Aloinopsis are better treated as winter growers, they will grow anyway in summer if given water. They should be fertilized only once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
The members of the genus Aloinopsis are propagated by seed or division. Unfortunately, they are prone to red spider mites and root rot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Aloinopsis.
Forms
Links
- Back to genus Aloinopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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