Scientific Name
Aloinopsis setifera (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Accepted Scientific Name
Aloinopsis luckhoffii (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Synonym(s)
Nananthus setiferus, Titanopsis setifera
Scientific Classification
Family: Aizoaceae
Subfamily: Ruschioideae
Tribe: Ruschieae
Genus: Aloinopsis
Origin
Aloinopsis setifera is native to South Africa (Little Namaqualand). It is not accepted as a separate species and is treated as a synonym of Aloinopsis luckhoffii.
Description
Aloinopsis setifera is a small succulent that forms a dense mat of rosettes of bluish-green to dark purple, finely warty leaves with numerous white teeth.
The daisy-like flowers range from golden yellow and yellowish-bronze to salmon pink. They can reach up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter and usually appear at the end of 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 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
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
