Aloe STRIATA

Aloe STRIATA - Coral aloe, Striped aloe, Aloe striata.

Aloe is a genus of succulent plants in the family Asphodelaceae, comprising more than 500 species originating predominantly from the arid regions of Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. Plants range from stemless rosettes to tree-like forms several meters tall.

The leaves are fleshy, sword-shaped, lanceolate, or triangular, spirally arranged in rosettes, often with a waxy coating, toothed margins, or prickles along the edge. The leaf pulp contains a watery gel with biologically active substances, allowing the plant to survive prolonged droughts.

The flowers are tubular or bell-shaped, gathered in dense terminal racemes or panicles on long peduncles, colored in yellow, orange, or red tones, and rich in nectar. In nature, they are pollinated predominantly by sunbirds.

Coral aloe is a stemless or short-stemmed rosette plant reaching a height of up to 45 cm (18 in) and a rosette diameter of up to 60 cm (24 in). The leaves are broad, smooth, devoid of marginal teeth, grayish-green with fine longitudinal stripes and a pinkish-coral translucent margin that becomes especially vivid in sunlight. The inflorescence stalk is branched, up to 60-90 cm (24-35 in) in height, bearing numerous coral-red or orange flowers that bloom in winter and early spring.

Seeds are preliminarily soaked for 4-6 hours in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or fungicide with the addition of stimulants (SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminosol, 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 desert roses can be used. The sowing is moistened from a spray bottle, placed in a propagator or covered with plastic wrap, and germinated in the light, but not in direct sun at a temperature of 21-26 °C (70-79 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

With seed propagation of aloe, cultivar characteristics may segregate. Seeds usually germinate within 3-4 weeks to 2-3 months, depending on conditions. Pricking out is carried out after the appearance of 2-3 true leaves. Young plants are gradually acclimated to lower humidity and brighter lighting.

An alternative method of seed germination in distilled water or a 10% solution of growth stimulants is possible. Seeds are placed in a small container of water, where they initially float 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.