Product Review

TROPICA® - Christmas Aloe (Aloe arborescens) - 10 Seeds

Worth knowing: The South African Christmas aloe, also known as octopus aloe, produces wonderful, bright red inflorescences during winter, more specifically between November and February. The plants are very adaptable and undemanding. The Latin word "arborescens" means "tree-shaped" or "tree-like" identifying the Christmas aloe actually as a tree aloe. Like all other Aloe species, this plant is a succulent as well with the quality to store water for a long time. An excellent pot or tub plant within our latitudes.

Origin: Indigenous to entire South Africa. Today, it has already spread as far as southern Europe.

Propagation: The seeds can be started indoors at any time throughout the year. Mix fine ground cultivation soil well with about 25% fine sand (quartz sand is even better). The soil must not be too coarse, in order for the seeds not to fall through. Moisten the mixture with a water atomizer and sprinkle the fine seeds on the soil surface.

Place / Light: During the summer months, the Aloe likes an outdoor position as well, should, however, never immediately be moved into the blazing sun. Strong rains do also harm the plant, for waterlogging might quickly lead to root rotting.

Care: Water only after the substratum has dried. Young plants in general should be kept somewhat moister. Rain and softened water are ideal. Surplus water should be spilled in order to avoid waterlogging and root rotting.

Winter period: Every Aloe species tolerates warmer rooms, however, cooler places like stairwells, unheated winter gardens etc. are more advantageous. The plant is watered only when the soil has dried up considerably.

Bonsai Suitability: No