Aloe is a great choice for those who want a succulent plant that is both pretty and hardy. And it is that the plants of this family are extraordinarily strong, having the ability to thrive in a wide spectrum of temperatures: from warm climates with direct exposure to the sun to temperatures close to zero degrees. For all this, aloes are ideal if you are a beginner in the care of succulent plants.
In this EcologíaVerde article we give you a brief guide to the aloe aristata care and what are its main characteristics.
Characteristics of aloe aristata or torch plant
Aloes are a whole genus of the aloe family. Xanthorrhoeaceae, with about 500 species of succulent plantssuch as aloe vera, aloe brevifolia, aloe variegata, aloe saponaria and aloe aristata, which we talk about here.
The aloe aristataalso know as torch plantis from South Africa and is recognized by its arrangement in small rosettes of no more than 30 cm, as well as by its dark green triangular leaves, with jagged edges and covered with thorns.
The flowers of this plant, which when they sprout in summer are grouped into terminal inflorescences, are also very rich in nectar, which is why they are a good way of attracting birds or bees to the area.
Discover more types of succulent plants in this other article from EcologíaVerde.
Aloe aristata: basic care
Despite the strong and resistant nature of the torch plant, there are some guidelines that must be taken into account to have it in the best possible conditions. Follow these gardening tips on basic care of aloe aristata:
Light and location
Aloe aristata is very comfortable at full sun or semi-shaded areas in case you live in a very hot climate. For this reason, it is suitable for both outdoor gardens and indoor pots, as long as the latter are kept next to windows or sources of natural light.
Temperature
It is a plant mainly of warm weather, so it resists the sun and high temperatures very well. Even so, if you are going to plant your aloe outdoors and you live in a particularly hot area, the plant will appreciate a semi-shade area. Regarding the cold, it withstands temperatures close to zero degrees, but it is not suitable for soils that can freeze.
substrate and soil
This plant is particularly comfortable in sandy and dry soils, because what it needs is good drainage that does not accumulate excess moisture in its roots. If you have it in a pot, putting a layer of gravel at the base of the pot and another on the surface will help the plant to stay away from excess moisture. You can pay it in spring and summer with fertilizer for cacti or succulent plants if you want to give it an extra contribution of vitality.
Irrigation
Since it is a dry climate plant, Aloe aristata does not need more than 2 or 3 weekly irrigations at most. Of course, it is important that, if you have it in a pot, you do not put a plate under the drainage of this and, if it is necessary to do so, you always remember to empty it of the excess water after irrigation. Excess moisture is the worst enemy of this plant, so be especially careful with this.
In this other EcologíaVerde post we talk about how to water succulent plants.
Transplant
Aloe aristata requires a annual transplant, as is the case with most plants. The transplant operation is not more dangerous than any other, and it is simply recommended to completely clean the previous substrate from its roots to ensure that possible pests are eliminated.
Here we explain everything about Transplanting a plant: when and how to do it.
Multiplication
If you want to multiply your aloe it is very easy to do it with its young. Simply remove them carefully from the mother plant and let them take root in another pot or area, always with good drainage, and where it receives natural light but not directly.
Sowing
Finally, if you want to plant your own aloe aristata seeds, the most suitable season for this is late spring. You should not plant it very deeply to avoid the dreaded excess of water that will make it not prosper.
Aloe aristata pests and diseases
Although not very common, Aloe aristata can be attacked by scale insectcommonly known as Woodlouse. When this happens, the insects settle in the slots and narrow spaces between the leaves, making their removal somewhat difficult. The use of tongs or spatulas is recommended for this. In addition, you can use a suitable pesticide or an infusion with nasturtiumwhich sprayed on the plant will help cleanse it of these parasites.
However, and as we have already mentioned before, the worst enemies of Aloe aristata are undoubtedly excessive moisture and rot that this entails, in addition to the appearance of fungus. To prevent this from happening, ensure well-draining soil or a pot and, if roots poke through the pot’s drainage holes, transplant to a larger pot immediately.
If you want to read more articles similar to Aloe aristata: carewe recommend that you enter our category .
