The stunning voluted aloe ( Aloe polyphylla ) feature a rosette of leave-taking in a perfect spiraling pattern . No curiosity you need to circularise it , because who would n’t desire one ?
Unfortunately , unlike most other succulent plants , the helical aloe does not produce offshoot ( called pups ) , so it can not be spread the way the aloe vera plant can , for model . Further , propagating via leaf cutting or stem cuttings is not possible , either . The only way to propagate this rarefied aloe is through its seeds .
The spiral aloe is a South African native that produce in the wild in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b .
Warning
Several articles found on-line claim that the spiral aloe produces offshoot likesome other aloe , and some sources even provide elaborate instructions on how to glean pups from the female parent works to make new aloe plants . This is inaccurate and can not be done . essay information from reliable sources such as university web site or reputable commercial growers .
The Spiral Aloe’s Native Habitat
While the spiral aloe is now wide cultivated in botanical gardens and many nurseries , it has become endanger in the wild of its aboriginal area , which is the Drakensberg Mountains in the Kingdom of Lesotho , a small country surrounded by South Africa .
The overcollection of its seeds is the primary culprit , although collecting spiral aloe semen is illegal . In addition , it has a single pollinator in South Africa , the malachite sunbird , which is also in declination .
Seed Sources for the Aloe Polyphylla Plant
Some U.S. nurseries , mostly in California , now betray both spiral aloe flora and seed . A search for aloe polyphylla seeds or plant retort multiple seller . For instance , Ecoscapein Santa Cruz specialise in this plant only and sells both plants and seeds , andMonroviasells industrial plant .
Be certain to do your preparation and leverage only from reputable agriculturalist , because you’re able to not verify the quality or truth of many online vendors . This plant ’s pollination and seed production depends on a complicated biology , so anyone exact to have volute aloe source for sale should have the scientific desktop to back up the claim .
Planting Spiral Aloe Seeds
The spiraling aloe grows in a range of soils although , like most aloes , it is found naturally on jolting incline and gravelly soils . So it ’s no wonder this plant require a well - draining soil medium to debar root guff and other fungal diseases .
In red-hot clime , these plants typically grow in the shade of larger shrubs and trees , so they may postulate some protection from direct sunlight during blistering good afternoon to provide more collateral light .
Potting Medium
Ensure that your container or pot has drain fix . Use a mixing of rock and pot soil in a ratio of 1:1 . Any high - quality potting soil will work , but avoidpeat moss product , because they can hold too much piddle . For rock , practice 5/16 " grade red lava , perlite or pumice . The idealistic mixture is standardised to a cactus potting commixture or a hydroponic grow system of rules .
Seed Germination
While information on wheedle spiral aloe seeds to spud is not always consistent , expert agreethat the seeds should be pretreated before sowing by either gazump them in water until the radicle emerges ( the first sprout from the seed ) or scarified , i.e. rough in up a bit to break off the outside wry finish , using fine sand sandpaper .
If the seed is scarified , scatter it over the potting mass medium and then cover it with a very o.k. sprinkling of soil . Ensure cool dirt temperatures , and do n’t use a heat energy mat , as the seeds wo n’t sprout if the temperature exceeds 80 ° farad .
These seed require lighter to germinate ; if necessary , use a grow visible light on a 16 - hour daylight docket . Maintain even wet , but take care to void overwatering .
The radicle should emerge in about two weeks . At about four weeks , the first cotyledon leaf ( the first leave to appear ) should be visible , and a careful tug at the babe industrial plant should enjoin you that Modern roots have formed as well .
Tip
As the spiral aloe produces novel growth , monitor the dirt and moisture levels to nullify too - stiff conditions .
You will belike ask to repot your spiral aloe after about five yr . You might see the spiral cave in and collapse . If this go on , pull out the entire plant life and , using a sharp knife , move out any dead root tissue . get the plant dry out in the shade and then replant it in a larger container .
