Aloe Variegata
Do you like small aloes that can be grown in pots throughout their lives? Then surely what I will tell you about the Aloe variegata will delight. This is a crasa or succulent noncactus 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 for to meet her?
Origin and characteristics
Our protagonist is a crass plant endemic to South Africa, specifically the Province of the Cape and the Province of the Free State, and Namibia. Its scientific name is Aloe variegata , and is popularly known as tiger aloe or partridge breast.
It grows to a height of 20 to 30cm, with 18-24 leaves joined in three rows . These are more or less triangular, and measure 10-15cm in length by 3-6cm in width, with bands or irregular patches of dark green and whitish color. The flowers are orange and are grouped in clusters of 20 to 30cm wide.
Aloe Variegata Care
If you want to have a healthy Aloe variegata we recommend providing the following care:
Location
- Exterior : in semi-shade, or in full sun if you get used to it little by little.
- Interior : it has to be in a room where there is plenty of natural light.
land
- Flowerpot : universal culture substrate mixed with pearlite in equal parts.
- Garden : it has to have very good drainage .
Irrigation
Rather scarce, as its roots rot easily. During the summer it is necessary to irrigate the entire soil / substrate well once a week, and the rest of the year once every 10-15 days . If you see that the leaves “close”, and if in addition the earth you see that it is very dry, water even if you think that it does not touch it, because it is so bad to water excessively as if it were not.
In case of doubt, it is necessary to check the moisture of the substrate / soil, and for that you can do the following:
- Insert a thin wood stick to the bottom : if it comes out practically clean when it comes out, you do not have to water it.
- Weigh the pot once it is 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 you should pour water on it.
Fertilizer
From the beginning of spring until the end of summer with a fertilizer for cactus and other succulents following the indications specified on the package. Another option is to pay with Nitrophoska Azul, two teaspoons every 15 days.
Multiplication And Propagation
The variegata Aloe is multiplied by seeds or seedlings in spring separation. 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 culture substrate mixed with pearlite in equal parts.
- Afterwards, it is watered consciously.
- Then, spread the seeds on the surface, ensuring that they are a little separated from each other.
- Then they are covered with a thin layer of substrate and watered, this time with a sprayer.
- Finally, the pot is placed on the outside, in semi-shade.
Thus, the seeds will germinate in 4-5 weeks .
Offspring
The procedure is as follows :
- The first thing to do is select a shoot that is easily manipulated in size.
- Then, it is cut with scissors previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol.
- Then, the shoot wound is left to dry for 4-5 days in a place protected from the sun that is dry.
- Next, it is planted in a pot with universal culture substrate. In order for the sapling to be well secured, I advise you to throw a layer of volcanic sand, akadama type.
- Finally, it is irrigated with a sprayer and the pot is placed in semi-shade.
Thus, it will lay its roots in 2-3 weeks maximum .
Time of planting or transplant
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
The Aloe variegata is a plant that is very resistant to both pests and diseases; however, if the culture conditions are not right they can attack mealybugs , or fungi if the environment is humid. The first ones are eliminated with an anti-cochineal insecticide, and the second with fungicides and spacing the risks.
It is also important to monitor the snails , since these mollusks love plants like this one. In fact, they can kill her in a matter of two nights, which is when they are most active. You can avoid it by using the remedies indicated in this article .
Resistance and Resilience
Due to its origin, it is a plant that does not resist severe frosts. From experience, I can tell you that it holds up well until -1.5ºC, which makes me think that the minimum temperature it supports is -2ºC . But you can have it indoors, so this is not a problem really.
What do you think of the Aloe variegata ?
I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide. I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.
