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Aloe is a genus containing over 300 species of flowering
semitropical succulent plants. The genus is native to
Africa and is common in South Africa's Cape Province and
the mountains of tropical Africa, and neighbouring areas
such as Madagascar, the Arabian peninsula and the islands
of Africa. They range in size from little one inch
miniatures to massive plant colonies consisting of
hundreds of 2 foot diameter plants. Aloe species are
frequently cultivated as ornamental plants both in
gardens and in pots. They make excellent house plants
when they are given sufficient light. Some species, in
particular Aloe vera, are supposed to have medicinal
properties.
Most Aloes have a rosette of large, thick, fleshy leaves.
The leaves are often lance-shaped with a sharp apex and a
spiny margin. Many species of Aloe are seemingly stemless,
with the rosette growing directly at ground level; other
varieties may have a branched or un-branched stem from
which the fleshy leaves spring. They vary in colour from
grey to bright green and are sometimes striped or mottled.
Both the spiky leaves and the bitter tasting sap prevents
animals and insects from eating it.
Older specimens may even bloom. Growing Aloes in
cultivation can be rewarding especially when they are in
flower, which is a spectacular display in any garden.
Aloe flowers are tubular, frequently yellow, orange or
red and are borne on densely clustered, simple or
branched leafless stems. Aloe flower nectar is a favorite
of hummingbirds.
Hardiness zones 10-11, (1°C/35°F, 4°C/40°F). Because
Aloe plants consist of 95% water, they are extremely
frost tender. They may only be grown outdoors in areas
where there is no chance of freezing. During the winter
months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and
utilize very little moisture. During this period watering
should be minimal.
Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system, so when it
is time to repot choose a wide planter, rather than a
deep one. Provide a 1-2 inch layer of gravel in the
bottom of the pot to ensure adequate drainage. The soil
should be moderately fertile, and fast draining. Use a
good commercial potting mix with extra perlite, granite
grit, or coarse sand added. You may also use a packaged
cacti mix soil. Fertilize yearly, in the spring with a
dilute (half strength), bloom type fertilizer (10-40-10).
Unless you live in area with a very mild climate, it's
best to leave your Aloe plant in the pot and place it
near a window that gets a lot of sun. You can move the
pot outdoors during the summer months. If they are grown
outdoors in warm climates, they should be planted in full
sun, or light shade. Allow the soil to become completely
dry before giving the plant a cup or two of water. During
the summer months, the soil should be completely soaked,
but then be allowed to dry again before re-watering.
Established plants will survive a drought quite well, but
for the benefit of the plant, water should be provided.
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