Astroloba rubriflora

Scientific Name

Astroloba rubriflora (L.Bolus) Gideon F.Sm. & J.C.Manning

Synonyms

Apicra rubriflora, Aloe rubriflora, Apicra jacobseniana, Haworthia rubriflora, Poellnitzia rubriflora

Scientific Classification

Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Astroloba

Description

Astroloba rubriflora is a succulent plant with multiple stems densely covered in hard, dark green to glaucous green leaves coated with a waxy layer. Stems are erect when young, ascending when old, and up to 10 inches (25 cm) long. Leaves become brownish when grown in full sun. They are up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide, and usually four-ranked in spirally arranged rows. Flowers are orange-red with greenish tepals and appear in summer arranged in horizontal racemes.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Astroloba plants are increasingly popular as succulent ornamental due to the extraordinary beauty of their leaf structure. Some have intricate patterns of lines, margins, spots, and raised tubercles on their leaves. Nearly all of them display a crystal-like regularity in their leaf arrangement. This is not always apparent in wild plants, which are usually disfigured by their harsh habitat.

In cultivation, Astrolobas are at their best when provided with some protection from full sun. However, in a semi-shade environment, Astrolobas can become remarkably beautiful and ornate with extremely well-drained soil and gentle conditions.

Unfortunately, when conditions are not ideal, occasional random leaves can die, shrivel up and go brown all along their stem. This is unfortunate because, as explained, much of the beauty of the plants comes from the intricate, crystalline pattern of their leaves. However, this disfigurement can be avoided by keeping the plants in optimal, fertile conditions – growing steadily and sheltered from stress.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Astroloba.

Origin

This species is found in the mountainous Karoo area around Robertson, South Africa.