Aloaceae Archives - About Succulents

Aloe Juvenna – Tiger Tooth

Sofia Lara — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 12:22:20 +0000

Aloe juvenna is a miniature succulent with a fascinating look. It carries the bright-green color that is associated with aloes but is embedded with peculiar white spots.

Aloe juvenna grows spiked leaves – often described as small teeth – that stack and form an interesting rosette. The spikes may look sharp and resemble a Tiger’s jaw but they will not prick when touched.

Collectively, the small rosettes give the plant a fuzzy appearance when viewed from a distance.

When Aloe juvenna is given enough exposure to the sun in the summer months, the bright-green leaves assume a reddish-brown color.

Tiger Tooth Aloe is the popular alias assigned to Aloe juvenna because of its spiky leaves. It can grow up to 12-inches (30.5cm) tall and 24-inches (61cm) wide which makes the succulent an ideal ground cover.

Tiger Tooth Aloe originates from the Aloaceae family and is native to Kenya.

General Information:

Also known as: Tiger Tooth Aloe

Plant Family: Aloeceae

Origin: Kenya

Height: 12-inches (30.5cm)

Exposure: Full to partial sunlight up to 6 hours per day

Water Needs: Water only when soil is dry to the touch, little watering during the winter months.

Soil Type: Sandy or cactus soil mixed with perlite at a 2:1 ratio.

Soil pH: Neutral (7.0 to 8.5 pH)

Tolerance: Drought

How to Grow and Care for Aloe Juvenna

Aloe juvenna is a resilient succulent that can grow properly in both warm and dry climates. It is not a cold-hardy plant. If you live in a region where temperatures drop below 20° F (-6.7° C), it would be best to grow the plant indoors.

1. Sunlight

Aloe juvenna can thrive indoors and outdoors as long as it receives enough sunlight. Tiger Tooth Aloe can grow with partial share to fun sun exposure.

For best results, plant Tiger Tooth Aloe in the outdoors where it can receive sunlight consistently and achieve the reddish-brown color that has delighted many succulent hobbyists.

If you want to have Aloe juvenna as an outdoor plant; probably as ground cover, put it in an area that received 6 hours of morning sunlight per day. Morning sun is advisable because the afternoon sun might get too intense and cause sunburn to Aloe juvenna.

If you want to have Aloe juvenna indoors, look for a window facing the east. South and west-facing windows will do. Make sure the plant gets partial sun when grown indoors.

During the dark, winter months you may want to get a Grow Light to give Aloe juvenna its daily dose of sunlight.

2. Watering

Aloe juvenna has the same watering needs as other varieties of succulents. Generally, you should give the plant water whenever its soil is dry to the touch.

You might want to use tools to be more precise. A moisture-testing tool such as a hygrometer might come in handy when you want to be sure Tiger Tooth Aloe needs water.

In the summertime, you might find yourself watering Aloe juvenna every 7 to 10 days. Keep track of the frequency of watering. If the days are getting colder, you might have to drop back to a watering schedule of every 14 days.

In the wintertime, the soil retains moisture much longer. You might give Aloe juvenna water only once a month.

3. Pot and Soil

Choose a pot that has a good-sized drain hole. Although Aloe juvenna may require more water than the typical succulent, it is still susceptible to root rot which happens if the plant receives too much water.

The pot should also be large enough to allow Tiger Tooth Aloe’s roots to grow properly without getting entangled.

You will also need well-draining soil. Good choices of soil for Aloe juvenna are sandy soil and cactus soil. To improve its drainage properties, add perlite. Use a 2:1 ratio of sandy/cactus to perlite.

How to Propagate Aloe Juvenna – Tiger Tooth Aloe

Aloe juvenna can only be propagated with offsets. The plant will produce a small number of rosette offsets.

You can try to propagate from seeds but the process will take too long.

Step 1 – Cut the offsets from the main stem of the plant by using a sharpened and sterilized knife or garden shears.

Step 2 – Leave the offsets in a dry and shaded area for 1 to 2 days or until it develops calluses.

Step 3 – Place the hardened offsets on well-draining soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aloe Juvenna Toxic for Cats and Dogs?

Aloe Juvenna does not appear in the list of plants that have been found to be toxic for cats and dogs. You can find the list on the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Why is my Aloe Juvenna Succulent Dying?

If you suspect that your Aloe juvenna succulent is dying, there are 3 possible causes for this: Overwatering, underwatering, and sunburn.
1. Overwatering
When the leaves of Tiger Tooth Aloe turn yellow, that is a clear sign of overwatering. This means its roots are starting to rot.
It may not be because you have been giving it too much water. Quite possibly the soil has been staying moist longer than usual or that the type of soil is not drying out fast enough.
If this happens, remove the plant from its soil. Get a new pot and refill it with well-draining soil. Follow our earlier tip to mix sandy/cactus soil with perlite at a 2:1 ratio.
Remove the infected parts of the plant; its leaves, stem, and roots. Once it has dried out completely, re-pot it in fresh, new soil.
2. Underwatering
If the leaves of Tiger Tooth Aloe are starting to shrivel up, it means you are not giving it enough water.
The solution is to just give it more water and to check on the soil’s moisture level frequently. In 1-2 days, the leaves of Tiger Tooth Aloe should look healthy and green once again.
3. Sunburn
Did you move Aloe juvenna to a place that gets direct sun outdoors after having it grow indoors? If so, its leaves will get sunburned and turn brown.
The sunburn will leave permanent marks but you can remedy the situation simply by gradually exposing the plant to sunlight.
Start with partial shade and move to full sunlight once the plant has fully acclimated to outdoor conditions.

Does Aloe Juvenna Produce Flowers?

Yes, Aloe juvenna produces strikingly-beautiful flowers that have a bright orange color. Keep in mind that not all Tiger Tooth Aloes can bloom. It will depend on the conditions for growth. Ideally, the plant should receive enough sunlight.

Producing flowers requires energy. To support the best growing conditions for Aloe juvenna to bloom, it is recommended to give it fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season or the spring and summer months.

Use a fertilizer brand that is specially formulated for succulents and cacti. Reduce it to ¼ strength by diluting it with water before adding the fertilizer to the soil.

The post Aloe Juvenna – Tiger Tooth appeared first on About Succulents.

Aloe Polyphylla – Spiral Aloe

Sofia Lara — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 11:43:05 +0000

Aloe polyphylla is a mesmerizing succulent. Many growers consider it the most beautiful aloe because of the unique spiral formation of it leaves which has a greyish-green color. This is why the succulent is also called “Spiral Aloe”. Its name, “polyphylla” is derived from 2 Greek words – “poly” which means “many” and “phylla” or “leaves”.

The spiral formation of Aloe polyphylla is its most striking feature and is the main reason why growers are motivated to plant it in their respective gardens. Whether the spiral moves clockwise or counter-clockwise, the leaves are arranged in a way that the spiral looks perfect.

Each turn of the spiral has around 15 to 30 leaves. The leaves of Spiral Aloe are wide and have sharply-pointed tips that are purplish-brown in color. The succulent produces salmon-pink colored flowers in the spring and early summer.

Aloe polyphylla originates from the Aloaceae family and is native to the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho. It can grow up to 12-inches (30cm) in height. Because of the high demand for this succulent plant and its specific requirements for growing, Spiral Aloe has been listed as an endangered species.

General Information:

Also known as: Spiral Aloe
Plant Family: Aloaceae
Origin: Maluti Mountains of Lesotho
Height: 12-inches or 30cm
Exposure: Full to partial sunlight up to 6 hours per day
Water Needs: Light watering schedule during the summer months; very little to no watering in the winter or cold season.
Soil Type: 1 part potting soil to 1 part pumice or lava rock with around 25% horticultural sand added to the mix.
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5 to 6.0 pH)
Tolerance: Drought

How To Grow Aloe Polyphylla

Growing Aloe polyphylla can be challenging. The succulent has specific growing conditions which is one reason why it has been listed as an endangered species.

For one thing, Spiral Aloe is not a cold-hardy plant. If you are located in a region which can get temperatures below 30° F (-1.1° C), it would be advisable to grow the succulent in a pot and placed indoors.

Aloe polyphylla will not survive hot regions where nights can get very warm. The plant should be protected from excessive winds, freezing, and wet conditions.

1. Sunlight

In warm climates, Aloe polyphylla thrives under full to partial sun. If you want to grow Spiral aloe in your garden, look for an area that receives 6 hours of morning sunlight every day.

2. Watering

The leaves of Spiral Aloe are thick because it stores water. This type of succulent needs less water than other varieties.

Give Aloe polyphylla water only when its soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering the plant will cause its roots to rot.

During the wintertime, reduce the frequency of watering as the soil tends to retain moisture longer.

3. Pot and Soil

For Aloe polyphylla, use a pot that has good drainage but make sure it is not a dark-colored container that has been observed to retain moisture longer than light-colored ones.

The best soil for Aloe polyphylla is a variety that is well-aerated with excellent draining properties, free of lime and has a soil pH factor of 5.5 to 6.0.

A good combination is 1 part potting soil to 1 part pumice or lava rock with around 25% horticultural sand added to the mix.

How To Propagate Aloe Polyphylla

The best method for propagating Aloe polyphylla is through offsets. If you try to propagate the succulent from leaves, there is a great probability of the leaves rotting.

You may also try to propagate the Aloe polyphylla succulent by growing it from seeds but it is very difficult and will take time.

Propagation through the use of offsets is the best approach for this type of succulent. It may take years before Spiral Aloe develops offsets but the wait will be worth it.

Step 1: Wear gloves before removing the offsets.

Step 2: Use a sharpened and sterilized knife or garden shears for removing the offsets.

Step 3: Once you have removed the offset, clean its bottom part.

Step 4: Place the offset in a shaded and dry area to allow it to harden or develop calluses.

Step 5: When the offset has developed calluses, plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aloe Polyphylla Toxic for Cats and Dogs?

Yes, Aloe polyphylla can be toxic for cats and dogs. This variety of succulent plant has been identified as potentially poisonous when ingested by animals on the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

If you have Aloe polyphylla in your garden, your pet may be in danger of getting ill once it comes in contact with the plant. Look out for signs of depression, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress.

Why is my Aloe Polyphylla Succulent Dying?

Aloe polyphylla is a high maintenance succulent plant. If proper conditions to support its growth are not achieved, Spiral Aloe can die.

There are 3 possible factors that could lead to the death of your Aloe polyphylla – overwatering, extreme cold, hot temperatures, and infestation.

Overwatering

Like all succulents, overwatering can lead to the plant’s roots rotting. Aloe polyphylla can survive long periods without water because its plump leaves have the ability to store water.

Make sure the tray under the pot of the plant has been cleared of excess water. Use well-draining soil that will allow air to circulate freely around the plant’s roots.

If you see any part of the plant developing a brownish color, cut it off right away with a sterilized knife. That could be a sign of rotting which can spread and infect the rest of the plant.

Exposure to Cold Temperatures

Aloe polyphylla is highly sensitive to cold temperatures especially when it hits below freezing point.

Under freezing conditions, the leaves can develop rot right away. The best solution is to transfer the succulent indoors and place it in an area with temperatures that do not go lower than 30° F (-1.1° C).

Exposure to Hot Temperatures and Dry Air

Aloe polyphylla can also rot when exposed to hot temperatures and dry air. In situations such as these, move the plant indoors and place it in a room where the temperatures do not go above 82 to 86° F (28 to 30° C).

Does Aloe Polyphylla Produce Flowers?

It may take years but Spiral Aloe produces attractive salmon-pink flowers that measure 12-inches or 30cm in the spring or early summer. In rare occurrences, the succulent may bloom yellow-colored flowers.

The post Aloe Polyphylla – Spiral Aloe appeared first on About Succulents.

Aloe Brevifolia

Sofia Lara — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 19:54:56 +0000

Aloe brevifolia is an interesting succulent with an intriguing alias of Crocodile Plant because it has the appearance of having white, jagged teeth alongside its edges. The friendlier and more popular nickname is Short-Leaved Aloe.

The “teeth” are short spikes that form a spine down the back of each leaf. The spikes are not dangerously sharp. However, Short-Leaved Aloe can be toxic to both humans and their pets.

Aloe brevifolia grows compact rosettes that can number up to 10 and reach up to 14-inches (40cm) in diameter. The leaves of the rosette are bluish in color but can change to pink during the winter.

Short-Leaved Aloe can reach a height of 12-inches (30cm) tall and comes from the Aloaceae family. It is native to South Africa.

General Information:

Also known as: Short-Leaved Aloe, Crocodile Plant
Plant Family: Aloaceae
Origin: South Africa
Height: 12-inches (30cm)
Exposure: Partial to full sunlight; 4 to 6 hours per day.
Water Needs: Water only when soil is dry to the touch, little watering during the winter and summer months.
Soil Type: Cactus soil mixed with ⅓ part sand, perlite or pebbles
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (7.0 to 8.5 pH)
Tolerance: Drought

How to Grow and Care for Aloe Brevifolia

Aloe brevifolia is popularly grown by horticulturists as a groundcover. Short-Leaved Aloe has its growth spurt during the spring and fall months then slows down or completely stops during the summer and winter.

1. Sunlight

Aloe brevifolia will reward you with beautiful leaves that are colored red, yellow, and bright orange if the succulent is given the right amount of sunlight exposure.

If grown as an outdoor succulent plant, place Short-Leaved Aloe in an area that gets 6 hours of morning sunlight every day.

You can also grow Aloe brevifolia as an indoor plant especially if you live in a region where the temperatures can drop below 20° F (-6.7° C).

As an indoor plant, Short-Leaved Aloe should be positioned near a window that gets 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. You can also place the succulent under a Grow Light to make sure it gets all the light it needs to grow properly.

2. Watering

As part of the Aloaceae family, Aloe brevifolia’s leaves tend to store enough water to keep it alive during prolonged dry months. This succulent is highly-tolerant to drought and does not require frequent watering.

The best way to water Short-Leaved Aloe is to wait for the soil to completely dry out. You can check if the topsoil feels dry to the touch. You can also insert a stick an inch into the topsoil.

If the stick feels dry after you’ve pulled it out of the soil, give Aloe brevifolia a deep drink or until the water starts to drip down the tray beneath the pot.

Restrict the watering schedule of Aloe brevifolia during the winter and summer months.

3. Pot and Soil

Choose a pot that is slightly larger, has a drainage hole, and one that is made of clay for Aloe brevifolia. A larger pot will allow its roots to grow properly and get enough air circulation. A clay pot does not go through the glazing process and encourages evaporation to remove excess moisture from the soil.

The best type of soil for Short-Leaved Aloe is one that is well-draining such as cactus. It is recommended that 1/3 of the soil mix must be composed of ingredients like sand, perlite or pebbles to further improve drainage.

How to Propagate Aloe Brevifolia

Horticulturists love Aloe Brevifolia because it is a fast propagator. There are 2 ways to propagate Aloe brevifolia: Offsets and seeds.

Method 1 – Offsets

Step 1: Aloe brevifolia produces many small offsets that sprout near the base of the plant. Gently pull up these offsets.

Step 2: Allow the offsets to completely dry and develop calluses. You can do this by placing the offsets in a dry and shaded area for a few days.

Step 3: Once the offsets have callused properly, you can replant them in well-draining soil.

Method 2 – Seeds

Step 1: Plant the seeds in well-draining soil.

Step 2: If you live in a cooler climate, propagate Short-Leaved Aloe indoors and after the seeds have been planted in well-draining soil, place it under a Grow Light.

Step 3: Water the soil once it is dry to the touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aloe Brevifolia Toxic for Cats and Dogs?

Aloe brevifolia does not appear in the list of plants that are toxic to cats and dogs that appear on the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

The list of toxic plants presented in the ASPCA’s website is only partial and may have overlooked other varieties of the genus Aloe.

If your pet ingested a part of Short-Leaved Aloe and started vomiting or showing signs of gastrointestinal distress, bring the animal to the veterinarian immediately.

Why is my Aloe Brevifolia Succulent Dying?

Aloe brevifolia is a worry-free succulent to grow. It can develop infection and a host of problems if you give Aloe brevifolia too much water.

Short-Leaved Aloe has typical watering needs of a succulent. Overwatering will lead to its demise because the roots of Aloe brevofilia will start to rot. Once the roots begin to rot, it will develop an infection that could spread throughout the plant.

If you see the leaves turn yellowish in color and appear mushy in texture, Short-Leaved Aloe could be dying because of overwatering.

Cut out the rotting sections of the plant with a sharpened and sterilized pair of garden shears. Remove the plant from the soil and look for the roots that are rotting. Use the garden shears to cut off the rotting roots,

Leave the plant to dry out before replanting Aloe brevifolia in fresh, well-draining soil.

Does Aloe Brevifolia Produce Flowers?

Aloe brevifolia produces flowers in the spring. The flowers vary in color from yellow to scarlet. The shape of the flowers is cylindrical and measure 30 to 40mm or 1 to 1.5-inches long.

The post Aloe Brevifolia appeared first on About Succulents.

Haworthia Retusa

Sofia Lara — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 20:52:04 +0000

Haworthia retusa is a succulent that has a majestic appearance because of its lime green leaves which bend back and give it a star-like shape. This is the reason Haworthia retusa is also called Star Cactus. It is also a member of the Asphodelaceae family and is sometimes called Aloe Retusa.

The leaves of Haworthia retusa have a smooth surface and appear translucent with signs of veining. There are no tubercles or spines to be found on the leaves which can grow up to 3.2-inches (8cm) long and 0.8-inches (2cm) wide. Star Cactus’ leaves are thick and fleshy and can store water.

The rosettes are composed of 10 to 15 leaves that measure 5.9-inches (15cm) across. Flowers have a whitish color with a tubular shape and bloom sometime in late spring to summer.

Haworthia retusa can grow up to a height of 3-inches (7.5cm) and 6-inches (15cm) wide. The succulent is native to South Africa.

General Information:

Also known as: Star Cactus, Aloe retusa
Plant Family: Asphodelacea
Origin: South Africa
Height: 3-inches (7.5cm)
Exposure: Partial to full sunlight for 3 to 5 hours
Water Needs: Frequent watering schedule during the summer months; very little to no watering in the winter or cold season.
Soil Type: Cactus soil mixed with sand
Soil pH: Acidic (6.1 to 6.5 pH)

How to Grow and Care for Haworthia Retusa

Haworthia retusa is a slow-growing succulent that is easy to maintain provided you follow proper guidelines for sunlight, watering, and fertilization.

As an indoor succulent, Star Cactus would be an ideal addition to your window sill or veranda. If grown outdoors, Haworthia retusa would wonderfully adorn a small succulent garden or a rock garden with some cacti.

Star Cactus is not a cold-hardy succulent. If you live in a region where the temperatures drop below 20° F (-6.7° C), it is recommended to place the plant in a container and brought indoors.

1. Sunlight

Haworthia retusa can thrive with full to partial sun. If grown outdoors, place Star Cactus in an area that receives 3 to 5 hours of sunlight. Regular sun exposure will cause the leaves to develop a nice, reddish color and maintain thickness. If the succulent is grown indoors, place it near a window that receives sunlight.

2. Watering

Haworthia retusa is susceptible to the dangers of overwatering. To keep the succulent healthy, give it water only when the soil is dry to the touch.

In the summer months, keep the soil moist but not visibly wet. During the colder months, the soil will remain moist much longer and Star Cactus will not require as much water.

Overwatering can lead to root rot. If the rotting is not contained, the fungal infection will spread throughout the plant.

3. Fertilization

Haworthia retusa should only receive fertilizer that is diluted with water to reduce its strength by 50%. Star Cactus is best fertilized only once during the growing season.

4. Pot and Soil

Star Cactus is often used as a decorative succulent plant. In some cases, growers of Haworthia retusa plant the succulent in little teacups or baby shoes. The best container for Star Cactus is a pot that measures 3.9-inches to 5.9-inches (10cm to 15cm) and has good drainage.

Fill the pot with well-draining soil such as cactus and add sand to further improve the level of drainage.

How to Propagate Haworthia Retusa

Haworthia retusa is an eye-catching succulent that will make for a good topic of conversation. Succulent growers like to propagate Star Cactus to add more color and shape to their miniature garden. Haworthia retusa can be propagated through the use of cuttings and offsets.

1. Cuttings Method

Step 1: Remove the cuttings from the main plant by using a sharpened and sterilized knife or a pair of garden shears.

Step 2: Place the cuttings on the ground and under a shaded area. Wait for hard calluses to develop. This may take a few days.

Step 3: When the calluses are hard enough and prominent, insert the cut end of the stem into a pot of well-draining soil.

Step 4: Give the soil water only when it has dried out completely.

2. Offsets Method

Step 1: Haworthia retusa produces small offsets that sprout around the base of the main plant. Pull the offsets gently.

Step 2: Allow 1 to 2 days for the offsets to dry completely.

Step 3: Replant the offsets in well-draining soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Haworthia Retusa Toxic for Cats and Dogs?

Haworthia retusa is not included in the list of toxic plants for cats and dogs that can be seen on the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Why is my Haworthia Retusa Succulent Dying?

Haworthia retusa is a resilient succulent. Root rotting due to overwatering is the only problem that you will have with Star Cactus.

A sign that the roots of the succulent are starting to rot is the color of the leaves. If the leaves are turning yellow, you may be overwatering the soil.

Wait for the soil to run completely dry of moisture. If the leaves start to turn back to green, then overwatering was the problem.

Does Haworthia Retusa Produce Flowers?

Haworthia retusa produces 20 to 30 tiny flowers that have a whitish color and greenish-brown veins. The flowers bloom in the late spring or summertime but they do not last long. It is possible for Star Cactus to blossom more than once in a given year.

The post Haworthia Retusa appeared first on About Succulents.

Kumara Plicatilis

Sofia Lara — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 20:15:18 +0000

Kumara plicatilis is a succulent with an unusual but striking appearance that contributes to its uncommon beauty. Kumara plicatilis used to be called Aloe plicatilis and is referred to by other names such as Fan Aloe, Book Leaf Aloe, and French Hoek Aloe.

Fan Aloe’s predominant feature is the extraordinary arrangement of its leaf-heads which look like neatly arranged pairs of fans. The leaf-heads sit on forked branches which are borne on a grey trunk.

The oblong-shaped leaves of Kumara plicatilis measure 7 to 11-inches long (20 to 30cm) and 1.5-inches (4cm) wide, have a sea-green color, oftentimes dotted with white spots, and grow upwards.

Viewed from a distance, the leaf-heads look like massive hands that are imploring the heavens.

Kumara plicatilis is often described as “bonsai” in appearance and can grow to a height of 8-feet (2.4m) with a width of 6-feet (1.8m). It belongs to the Aloaceae family and is native to South Africa.

General Information:

Also known as: Fan Aloe, Book Leaf Aloe, and French Hoek Aloe
Plant Family: Aloaceae
Origin: South Africa
Height: 7 to 11-inches long (20 to 30cm)
Exposure: Direct exposure to sunlight up to 6 hours
Water Needs: Frequent during the summer months; very little to no watering in the winter or cold season.
Soil Type: Cactus or a potting soil mix composed of 2 parts peat moss, 1 part clean sand, and 1 part perlite.
Soil pH: Acidic (5.5 to 6.5 pH)

How to Grow and Care for Kumara Plicatilis

Kumara plicatilis is easily grown in gravelly or sandy, well-drained soil. Fan Aloe is highly-tolerant to drought but not the cold season.

Fan Aloe prefers warmer temperatures at 21°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F) but they can survive a drop until 4.5°C (40°F). It should be grown in a container that can be brought indoors during the cold winter months.

Sunlight

Kumara plicatilis grows better under direct sunlight. Fan Aloe should be located in an area in the garden that receives 6 hours of sunlight every day. If the succulent is brought indoors, it is recommended to place it under a grow light.

Fan Aloe can also tolerate time under a mild shade. If you have been growing your plant from a shaded area, wait for it to harden before you transfer the succulent to an area with direct sunlight or it will get scorched.

Watering

Kumara plicatilis is very resilient to drought but the plant will thrive and produce many beautiful flowers when watered correctly. As with most succulents, it is best to give Aloe Fan water when its soil feels dry to the touch.

In the winter season, soil retains moisture longer. During the cold months, pare down the watering schedule of Fan Aloe. It the succulent receives too much water, especially in the winter, the roots will rot and infect the rest of the plant.

Pot and Soil

It is important to place Kumara plicatilis in a container that has good drainage. Repot Fan Aloe if the succulent has grown to a point that it has tipped over the pot.

Fill up the pot with well-draining soil such as cactus or a potting soil mix composed of 2 parts peat moss, 1 part clean sand, and 1 part perlite.

These ingredients will improve soil drainage and the level of air circulation between the roots. The recommended pH level of the soil for Kumara plicatilis is 5.5 to 6.5.

How to Propagate Kumara Plicatilis

Kumara plicatilis can be propagated by using 3 methods: Stem or branch Cuttings, seeds, and re-potting the root ball of the plant.

Fan aloe is a slow-growing plant. If you use the seed method, it will take a long time to see the fruits of your labor. The cuttings and re-potting methods will deliver faster results.

1. Cuttings Method

Step 1: Remove a stem or branch from the plant by using a sharpened and sterilized knife or garden shears.

Step 2: Allow the cuttings to dry out under a shaded area for a few days. The cuttings are ready for planting once it has hardened or developed calluses.

Step 3: Insert the cut end of the stem or branch into the soil. Make sure to leave enough space between the cuttings.

Step 4: Water the soil whenever it has dried out completely.

2. Seed Method

Step 1: Make sure the pot where you will plant the seeds of Kumara plicatilis is filled with well-draining soil and allows for proper air circulation. Cactus soil and river sand are good soil choices for growing Fan Aloe from seed.

Step 2: Plant seeds into potting soil and place the pot in an area that receives direct sunlight. If the Fan Aloe will be propagated indoors, place the pot under a grow light.

Step 3: Provide seedlings water when the soil is dry to the touch.

3. Re-Potting the Root Ball

Step 1: When Kumara plicatilis tips over its pot, the fall could expose a compact mass of roots that are located under the stem of the plant. This is called the root ball.

Step 2: Divide or cut the root ball with a sterilized and sharpened knife.

Step 3: Plant the root ball in the new larger pot.Step 4: Give the soil water when it has completely dried out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kumara Plicatilis Toxic for Cats and Dogs?

Kumara plicatilis does not appear in the list of toxic plants for cats and dogs on the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Why is my Kumara Plicatilis Dying?

There are 2 possible causes why your Kumara plicatilis succulent is dying: Overwatering and pest infestation.

1. Overwatering

Fan Aloe is highly-resistant to drought and can thrive with weekly watering in the summer and once-a-month watering schedule in the cold winter season.

Overwatering will cause the succulent’s roots to rot and lead to the development of fungal infection which can contaminate the entire plant.

In humid weather, Kumara plicatilis can develop rust which is a type of fungal disease. To prevent rust from developing, spray the plant with a fungicide that has a copper base.

2. Pest Infestation

Kumara plicatilis is a favorite target of aphids and snout beetles. To keep the beetles away, spray the succulent plant with a systemic insecticide. It is important that the insecticide gets into the growth points which are found between Fan Aloe’s leaves.

Does Kumara Plicatis Produce Flowers?

Kumara plicatilis produces flowers at different times of the year but frequently during the winter season.

The succulent’s flowers have a pendulous and cylindrical shape with an orange-red color. The flowers can measure 1.77 to 2.16-inches or 4.5cm to 5.5cm long.

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