Do you like small aloes that can be grown in a pot for a lifetime? Then I'm sure what I'm going to tell you about Aloe variegata will love it. This is a non-cactus succulent or succulent plant that has very striking triangular leaves, and decorative flowers that attract attention.
Its maintenance is so simple that we could say that it is a plant suitable for beginners. So, What are you waiting to meet her?
Origin and characteristics
Our protagonist is a crass plant endemic to South Africa, specifically the Cape Province and Free State Province, and Namibia. Its scientific name is Aloe variegata, and is popularly known as tiger aloe or partridge chest.
Grows to a height of 20-30cm, with 18-24 leaves attached in three rows. These are more or less triangular, measuring 10-15cm in length by 3-6cm in width, with irregular dark green and whitish bands or spots. The flowers are orange and are grouped in clusters 20 to 30 cm wide.
What are their cares?
If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
Location
- Body exterior:: in semi-shade, or in full sun if you get used to it little by little.
- Interior: You must be in a room with plenty of natural light.
Earth
- Flower pot: universal culture substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts.
- Garden: must have very good drainage.
Irrigation
Rather scarce, since its roots rot easily. During the summer you have to water by moistening all the soil / substrate once a week, and the rest of the year once every 10-15 days. If you see that the leaves are "closing", and if you also see that the earth is very dry, water even if you think that it is not touching it, because it is as bad to water in excess as in defect.
In case of doubt, it is necessary to check the humidity of the substrate / soil, and for this the following can be done:
- Insert a thin wooden stick to the bottom: if it comes out practically clean when you take it out, you don't have to water.
- Weigh the pot once watered and again after a few days: As the wet substrate weighs more than if it is dry, this difference in weight can help you to know when to add water.
Subscriber
From early spring to late summer with a fertilizer for cacti and other succulents following the instructions specified on the package. Another option is to pay with Nitrofoska Azul, two small tablespoons (of coffee) every 15 days.
Multiplication
El Aloe variegata it multiplies by seeds or by separation of suckers in spring. Let's see how to proceed in each case:
Seeds
The step by step to follow is the following:
- The first thing to do is fill a 10,5cm diameter pot with universal growing medium mixed with equal parts perlite.
- Afterwards, it is watered consciously.
- Then, the seeds are spread on the surface, ensuring that they are a little separated from each other.
- They are then covered with a thin layer of substrate and watered, this time with a sprayer.
- Finally, the pot is placed outside, in semi-shade.
Thus, seeds will germinate in 4-5 weeks.
Suckers
The way to proceed is as follows:
- The first thing to do is select a sapling that is easily manipulated in size.
- Afterwards, it is cut with scissors previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol.
- Then, the sapling wound is allowed to dry for 4-5 days in a dry place protected from the sun.
- It is then planted in a pot with a universal growing medium. For the sapling to be well attached, I advise to put a layer of volcanic sand type akadama.
- Finally, it is watered with a sprayer and the pot is placed in semi-shade.
Thus, will take root in 2-3 weeks maximum.
Planting or transplanting time
You can plant it in the garden in spring, when the risk of frost has passed. If you have it in a pot, transplant it as soon as you buy it - except if it is autumn or winter - and again every 3-4 years.
Plagues and diseases
El Aloe variegata It is a very resistant plant both to pests and diseases; However, if the growing conditions are not suitable they can attack you mealybugs, Or the mushrooms if the environment is very humid. The former are eliminated with an anti-mealybug insecticide, and the latter with fungicides and spacing the irrigations.
It is also important to keep an eye on snails, since these mollusks love plants like this. In fact, they can kill it in a matter of two nights, which is when they are most active. You can avoid this by using the remedies listed in this article.
Rusticity
Due to its origin, it is a plant that does not resist severe frosts. By experience, I can tell you that it holds up well up to -1'5ºC, so it makes me think that the minimum temperature it supports is -2ºC. But it can be had indoors so this is not really a problem 🙂.
What did you think of the Aloe variegata?