Aloe REITZII

Aloe REITZII - Reitz's aloe.

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

These plants have relatively small tubular flowers, colored, as a rule, red, orange, white, or yellow. The flowers are located on a peduncle of considerable length, in a terminal multi-flowered raceme. In home conditions, it rarely blooms. Aloe lives in a flowerpot for 5-20 years, for which it is also called "century plant".

Absolutely all cultivated species of aloe are suitable for indoor keeping and 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 its care generally do not occur. This plant can easily endure a lack of light, moisture, as well as warmth. Species that were previously grown extremely rarely now increasingly adorn winter gardens. The century plant will make an excellent addition when creating compositions that include slow-growing plants.

Aloe reitzii is a showy species usually with a solitary rosette up to 90 cm (35 in) in height, with long, relatively broad, silvery blue-green leaves sometimes with reddish teeth along the margins. It is easily distinguished by its beautiful flower spikes. Young plants may produce only one spike, but older plants can produce several spikes, further enhancing the impressive spectacle. The flowers are curved, tubular, bright red above and lemon-yellow below.

Seeds are pre-soaked for 4-6 hours in a solution of fungicide, then sown in a moist substrate consisting of leaf mold and river sand poured over expanded clay pre-scalded with boiling water. A sowing substrate similar to that used for desert roses can be used. The sowings are moistened from 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). Sprouts require ventilation. Waterlogging and drying out of the sowings must be avoided.

When propagating aloe by seed, cultivar characteristics may split. 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 accustomed to lower humidity and brighter lighting.

An alternative method of germinating seeds 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. 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 point of this method is submerging the seed into the substrate with the root pointed precisely downward, as it may push the seed outward instead of developing inward. Rising seeds are not pressed back down, but sprinkled with a teaspoon of soil from above. Over 4 weeks, it is necessary to monitor each seed carefully and manage the sprouts to anchor the root.

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Aloe, like almost all succulents, is undemanding in care. The century plant loves light very much, and therefore it is best placed on windowsills that face the southern part of the room. However, it can also be grown in shaded places, but keep in mind that with a strong lack of light, aloe leaves will stretch and grow pale. In summer, the plant can be moved to fresh air, but rainwater must not be allowed to fall on it. A century plant that has spent a long time in fresh air has distinct advantages over one grown exclusively indoors. For instance, it has stronger spines and a well-formed stem.

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

In summertime, the century plant requires moderate air temperatures, and with the onset of winter it must be moved to a cooler room. The plant tolerates sudden temperature changes remarkably well. Most species can endure a drop in temperature 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 mixture yourself by mixing leaf mold and sod soil with sand and humus in a 1:2:1:1 ratio. Also add charcoal and brick chips. Peat should not be included. The soil should have a slightly acidic reaction. You can purchase a ready-made soil mix for cacti, into which adding a little brick chips and charcoal is recommended. While the plant is young, repotting is carried out every year. An adult aloe needs repotting much less frequently, once every 2 or 3 years. Deep flower pots are chosen for this, never forgetting good drainage.

Feeding is done only once every 4 weeks and only during the spring-summer period. A mineral fertilizer for succulents and cacti is used (making a very weak solution). Feeding should be stopped in mid-autumn and resumed in spring.

The plant can be targeted by scale insects. To get rid of them, wipe the leaves as often as possible with a cloth moistened in soapy water.