Scientific Name
Aloinopsis rubrolineata (N.E.Br.) Schwantes
Synonym(s)
Mesembryanthemum rubrolineatum, Nananthus rubrolineatus
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Aloinopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "rubrolineata (roo-bro-lin-ee-AY-tuh)" means "red-lined" and refers to the distinctive red mid-stripes on the petals.
Origin
Aloinopsis rubrolineata is native to South Africa. It grows in shrubland on low dolerite hills and slopes from Graaff-Reinet to Cradock and Jansenville in the Eastern Cape province.
Description
Aloinopsis rubrolineata is a small succulent with a branching habit and dark olive-green, tongue-like leaves covered with small, round tubercles. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and develops a massive root system that can be exposed above ground, becoming an attractive caudiciform with age. The caudex can reach up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter.
The honey-scented flowers are bright yellow with many petals, each with a red mid-stripe, and appear in winter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °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 need plenty of light. Most are somewhat too extremely cold-hardy and bloom in the winter.
Aloinopsis can be cultivated in the ground or in a container. They will grow in the cooler parts of the year and flower in winter if they get good light. Direct sunlight is essential to bloom well. Aloinopsis is probably dormant in summer, so it is usually recommended not to water much in summer. Don't be surprised if they don't grow then, but 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.
They are propagated by seed or division. Unfortunately, Aloinopsis are prone to red spider mites and root rot.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloinopsis.
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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