It does best in well drained soil an ideal mix would be 1 part potting soil to 1 part pumice rock or lava rock, with 25 % horticultural sand added. Cool and damp, morning sun afternoon shade, never allow to dry out completely. Grow this Aloe as you would any Alpine plant. It does best in mild temperatures, with growth slowing or stopping when the temperature gets above 85 -90 degrees F. At about 2 years old the leaves begin to spiral either to the right or to the left when viewed from above.Īloe polyphylla comes from very high elevations, where the climate is cool, and nights are cooler. The leaves contain a considerable amount of water, so they are quite plump. The Spiral Aloe is a fast growing species that can reach its full size in 5 or 6 years. The tips usually become dark purplish brown and are quite sharp. There are soft white teeth along the margins of the leaf. Each greenish gray leaf has a broad base and narrows to a dark tip. Mature plants have five ranks of leaves which contain 15 to 30 leaves growing in either a clockwise or counterclockwise pattern. In terms of pH properties of the soil, it is known to do well in soil that is mildly acidic, mildly alkaline, or neutral.The most unusual feature of this aloe is the perfect spiral in which the leaves are arranged. Keeping the plant in a cool, not cold, environment is said to help with new flower development for the next spring season. During the dormant period, in winter, you need to water only enough to keep the Aloe Saponaria from shriveling. In fact, an outdoor plant may need only the watering of seasonal rainfall. The plant is very drought tolerant and even during its flowering season, you need to water the plant only when the soil starts drying out. When the plant is in bloom it is advisable to use fertilizer once during the flowering period. Use a Fertilizer Once During the Flowering Period You can also add some gravel to ensure good drainage. Well-drained soil is good for the Aloe Saponaria and if you are growing it in a container the recommended mix is two parts of loam, one part peat moss, and one part of perlite or coarse sand. Plant every 2 weeks for continuous crops. Seed Chart Beans Bush: 52-59 days, seed direct after last frost, start inside 2 weeks before last frost. Plants that are placed in light shade tend to do very well and are said to appear healthier, succulent, and display a greater depth of color. 9 weeks: February 11th 10 weeks: February 4th 11 weeks: January 28th 12 weeks: January 21st You can easily change these dates to reflect your growing zone, just go back by weeks. It is recommended that the plant is grown in a location with partial shade. The Aloe Saponaria is known to attract butterflies, birds, and bees. The plants need to be spaced about 15 to 18 inches apart from neighboring plants. It keeps the theme going in rock gardens also. Many landscapers use this plant for ground cover in gardens where there are palms and large cacti. The plant is interesting in appearance both because of its flowers and its mottled leaves. Flowers on multiple branches and usually dull red to. Has numerous leaves, pointed up in a rosette with little white tuberuncles all over them. (Zone 8b) wrote: small attractive aloe that looks a lot like a giant Haworthia. Allow seedheads to dry on plants remove and collect seeds. The Aloe Saponaria has striking reddish-orange or light yellow flowers in a tubular shape that bloom in spring, summer, fall, and early winter.Įach of the flowers tends to be 2-3 inches long. Allow pods to dry on plant break open to collect seeds. The plant grows to about 12 inches in height and has spotted leaves that grow in clumps and are shaped like rosettes. If you choose to grow this plant in a container, you can use it in varied settings as it is a great accent plant. Seaside gardens also sometimes incorporate this plant because the Aloe Saponaria is very tolerant of salty water. It is a popular choice in cactus and rock gardens because its rich foliage and dramatic shape show well in such a setting. The plant is endemic to the Southern parts of Africa and works well in places where the temperature does not go below freezing. It is said that the sap can be used as a soap substitute. The Aloe Saponaria, which is also called the African Aloe, Zebra Aloe, Soap Aloe, gets its name because the sap from its leaves feels soapy when mixed with water. Quick Guide to Aloe Saponaria Quick Guide to Aloe Saponaria
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