Aloe BRANDDRAAIENSIS

Aloe BRANDDRAAIENSIS - Branddraai aloe, Aloe branddraaiensis.

Aloe is a genus of very popular succulent plants belonging to the family Asphodelaceae. This genus comprises approximately 400 species and includes a large number of plants that have fleshy and very juicy leaves with fairly soft spines located on them. There are shrubby, arborescent, and herbaceous forms, as well as lianas. In the wild, aloe can be encountered in Africa, with a large number of species growing on the Arabian Peninsula and Madagascar. Translated from Arabic, "aloe" means "bitter".

These plants have modest tubular flowers, usually colored red, orange, white, or yellow. The flowers are located on a peduncle of considerable length, gathered in a terminal many-flowered raceme. Under domestic conditions, it practically does not bloom. Aloe lives in a flowerpot for 5–20 years, for which it is also called the "century plant".

Absolutely all cultivated species of aloe are suitable for keeping in indoor conditions, and they can even be used to green children's rooms. It is often used as a "home doctor". The plant is very unpretentious, and any problems associated with caring for it generally never arise. This plant can easily endure a lack of light, moisture, as well as heat. Those species that were previously rarely cultivated are now increasingly adorning winter gardens. The century plant will make an excellent addition when creating compositions that include slow-growing plants.

Branddraai aloe is a rare species present in nature in the locality of Branddraai in the South African province of Mpumalanga.

Seeds are pre-soaked for 4–6 hours in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or fungicide with the addition of stimulants (SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminozol, Epin, or Zircon), then sown into a moist substrate consisting of leaf mold and river sand layered over expanded clay pre-scalded with boiling water. A sowing substrate similar to that used for adeniums can also be used. The sowing is moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a mini-greenhouse or covered with film, and germinated in light, but not direct sun, at a temperature of 21–26 °C (70–79 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings must be avoided.

During seed propagation of aloe, varietal traits may segregate. Seeds usually germinate in 3–4 weeks up to 2–3 months, depending on conditions. Pricking out is performed after the appearance of 2–3 true leaves. Young plants are gradually accustomed to lower humidity and brighter lighting.

An alternative method of germinating seeds in distilled water or a 10% growth stimulant solution is possible. Seeds are placed in a small container of water, where they float initially but then sink. Germination occurs unevenly starting from 4 weeks, but can take several months. The water is changed every few days. Seeds are removed one by one as they germinate and placed into a substrate of equal parts sand and compost.

A critical moment of this method is embedding the seed into the substrate with the root pointing strictly downward, which might otherwise push the seed outward instead of growing inward. Seeds that lift up are not pressed back down, but are sprinkled with a teaspoon of soil from above. For 4 weeks, it is necessary to closely monitor each seed and guide the sprouts to anchor the root.

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The plant requires very bright lighting. It is best to place it on a windowsill of windows located in the southern part of the room. At the same time, direct sunlight presents no danger to such a flower. An aloe that experiences a lack of light will begin to stretch, and therefore supplemental lighting is recommended for it in winter.

In summertime, aloe requires fairly generous watering. In winter, on the other hand, it should be watered very infrequently, using exclusively room-temperature water, or slightly warmer. If watering is too meager, the leaves will become very thin and contain little juice. Because the roots of the century plant are very thick and fill the pot completely, water rushes almost without delay into the drip tray during watering. Therefore, it makes sense to water the plant by pouring water into the tray rather than into the pot. Moreover, the finest roots capable of absorbing moisture are located at the very bottom. To avoid root rot, any remaining liquid must be emptied from the tray 30 minutes after watering. Air humidity does not matter for aloe. However, it occasionally needs a warm shower to clean dust off the leaves.

In summertime, the century plant requires moderate air temperatures, and with the onset of winter, it should be moved to a cooler room. The plant tolerates sharp temperature fluctuations remarkably well. Thus, most species can withstand a temperature drop down to 6 °C (43 °F). However, there are also species that require a temperature of at least 15 °C (59 °F).

You can prepare the soil mix yourself by combining leaf mold and sod soil with sand and humus in a 1:2:1:1 ratio. Also add charcoal and crushed brick. Peat should not be included in the composition. The soil should have a slightly acidic reaction. A commercially prepared potting mix for cacti can also be purchased. Adding a bit of crushed brick and charcoal to it is recommended. While the plant is young, repotting is carried out every year. An adult aloe needs repotting much less frequently, and it is performed once every 2 or 3 years. Deep flowerpots are chosen for this, without forgetting good drainage.

Fertilization is carried out only once every 4 weeks, and only during the spring-summer period. For this, a mineral fertilizer for succulents and cacti is used (prepared as a very weak solution). Feeding must be stopped in mid-autumn and not carried out until spring.

Scale insects may colonize the plant. To get rid of them, wipe the leaves as often as possible with a cloth dampened with soapy water.