There is no doubt that Aloe flower spikes brighten a winter garden. Tubular red and pink to orange and yellow flowers are carried on long stalks above the leaves and produce nectar which attracts sunbirds and bees into your garden.
By carefully choosing species which flower consecutively, one can have colour from May to nearly September.
Aloes have a shallow root system which means that for every new leaf there is a root. As the leaves die the roots remain to help anchor the plant’s heavyweight which is due to all the plant sap.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER ALOES
Aloes like hot, full sun and grow well in sandy soil. Fertilize by giving compost after flowering (in Spring). If you are in need of more Aloes, propagate by removing young suckers or by taking cuttings – then letting them dry for two weeks before planting. Collecting seed from some Aloe species is also an option, but this will take longer to mature and to flower (different for certain Aloe species).
WHAT CAN GO WRONG WITH ALOES?
As Aloes are tough plants there is not a lot that can go wrong with this hardy flora. The only are you should concern yourself with is overwatering because then they will surely die. In humid areas, they can get a little rusty. If you find this, simply spray with a fungicide which has a copper base. Around flowering time they do accumulate a reddish growth known as Aloe mite or Aloe cancer. Cut these out and spray with a systemic insecticide from your local nursery.
They need little water in summer and flourish well in winter rainfall areas such as in our Western Cape. In colder areas, some species need protection from frost. Where you are concerned of frost damage, you can lay a thin cotton sheet over the Aloe plants and add an optional light bulb, not touching the plant nor the sheet.
In summary, Aloes are generally easy going and simple to please.
Enjoy Aloe season!
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