Kumara haemanthifolia (Haemanthus-leaf Aloe)

Scientific Name

Kumara haemanthifolia (Marloth & A.Berger) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning

Common Names

Haemanthus-leaf Aloe

Synonyms

Aloe haemanthifolia (basionym)

Scientific Classification

Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Kumara

Description

Kumara haemanthifolia, formerly known as Aloe haemanthifolia, is a rare, succulent plant with grayish-green, tongue-shaped leaves with bright red margins. The leaves grow in a fan shape, similar to Kumara plicatilis. This succulent looks very much like a diminutive, stemless form of the tree-like K. plicatilis. The flowers are bright scarlet and appear at the end of winter.

Kumara haemanthifolia (Haemanthus-leaf Aloe) — *Photo via inaturalist.org*

Hardiness

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

How to Grow and Care

Aloe is a very forgiving plant, and a well-grown plant can be quite beautiful. As with all succulents, Aloe must never be allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering.

These succulents are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. In spring, repot Aloes that are tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third sand or pebbles. During the repotting of a larger plant, it is possible to divide the root ball carefully. Some varieties of Aloe will send off offsets that can be potted independently.

Aloe plants need intense bright light. They can withstand full summer sun, once acclimated. In the winter, provide bright light. It prefers warmer temperatures of 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) but will survive down to 40 °F (4.5 °C). Feed with a succulent fertilizer in the summer only. Suspend feeding in the winter as the plant goes dormant. See more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.

Origin

Kumara haemanthifolia is native to a few high, inaccessible mountain peaks in the Fynbos habitat of Western Cape, South Africa.