Aloe polyphyllais one of the most ornamental Aloes , but it is challenging to grow . It was discovered in 1915 by F. H. Holland on the southwestern slopes of Furumela Mountain in Lesotho , but it was n’t officially key out until 1934 by South African phytologist Neville Pillans . Aloe polyphyllahas received theAward of Garden Meritby the UK ’s Royal Horticultural Society .
Aloe polyphyllaPillans
Spiral Aloe
In cultivation, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States. Photo by Paul Stein. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Family : AsphodelaceaeSubfamily : AsphodeloideaeGenus : Aloe
The specific name " polyphylla " ( pronounced " pol - ee - FIL - uh " ) have in mind " many - lived " and refers to the rosette of this metal money that may have 75 to 150 leaves .
Aloe polyphyllais native toLesotho(Maloti Mountains ) andSouth Africa(KwaZulu - Natal ) . It grows in basalt rock crack in mountainous , grassy side range from 6,560 to 8,200 feet ( 2,000 to 2,500 m ) above ocean level and sometimes higher on east - facing slope .
In habitat, Semonkong, Lesotho. Photo byJenny Potgieter. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
Aloe polyphyllais a beautifulsucculentthat forms stemlessrosettesof fleshy leafage set up in a typical spiral pattern that can be clockwise or counterclockwise . The rosette have 75 to 150 leaves , always in 5 rows , and can reach a diameter of 3 feet ( 90 cm ) . While the rosettes do not produceoffsets , the industrial plant usually form denseclumpsfrom the germination of its seeds . Spiraling begin when the rosette is at least 8 inches ( 20 atomic number 96 ) in diam or about two years erstwhile . The gray-haired - green leaves are broadly triangular with margin armed with relatively diffuse , white , irregularly arranged teeth . As they age , the tips become glum purplish - brown .
In spring and early summer , the mature rosette produces red-faced to salmon pink or occasionally yellowed flowers that can hit up to 2.2 in ( 5.5 cm ) in length . The flowers come out in tight top dog - similar raceme on inflorescence fork very low down and about 2 feet ( 60 cm ) above thefoliage .
The flower ofAloe polyphyllais the internal flower of Lesotho .
At Katse Botanical Gardens, Lesotho. Derivative of a photo byPaul. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
Removing works or seed ofAloe polyphyllafrom their native home ground or grease one’s palms them from roadside vendors is a vicious offense . The plant removed from their aboriginal habitat typically do not outlive for more than a few years .
Light : PlaceAloe polyphyllaindoorsin a window with wad of undimmed , indirect sunlight . Rotate the batch once or twice a week to ensure all sides of the plant encounter adequate firing . Outdoors , the flora prefers light wraith , peculiarly during the hot share of the day .
Soil : Great drain is essential for grow this plant because too much moisture for an extended period can induce root hogwash . expend commercial soil for succulents , ormake your own well - drain mix .
In habitat, Semonkong, Lesotho. Photo byJenny Potgieter. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.
Temperature : This flora does not do well in exceedingly gamy temperatures . If you survive in consistently hot areas , especially ones with warm night , it might not flourish . While mature plant can handle 10 ° F ( -12 ° C ) and snow , vernal plants should be protect from hard freezes . Aloe polyphyllagrows dependable inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones9b to 11b , with average minimum winter temperature ranging from 25 ° F to 50 ° F ( -3.9 ° carbon to 10 ° C ) .
Watering : This industrial plant require steady watering , but can brook drouth condition for short periods . pee deeply , but only when the grime is completely dry to the spot , and do not allow water endure in the russet scab . Cut back onwateringduring the winter month .
fertilise : Although it generally does not require fertilizer , Aloe polyphyllawill welfare from extra food . Use a water - soluble fertiliser diluted to half the urge strength .
In cultivation, San Francisco, California, United States. Photo by Kevin Roth. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Repotting : Repot only as postulate during spring . Pick a container that is one sizing big and has drain gob .
Propagation : Since it rarely produces offsets , Aloe polyphyllais normally propagate by seeds . Sow the seeds during the lovesome months for undecomposed resultant .
find out more atHow to develop and Care for Aloe .
A young plant. In cultivation, Benicia, California, United States. Photo by Serecac Trebor. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Aloe polyphyllais non - toxic to multitude but is mildly to pretty toxic to deary .
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In cultivation, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States. Photo by Paul Stein. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
