Aloe KILIFIENSIS

Aloe KILIFIENSIS - Kilifi aloe, Aloe kilifiensis.

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 feature fleshy and very juicy leaves with fairly soft spines along their margins. There are shrubby, arborescent, herbaceous forms, as well as lianas. In the wild, aloes can be found in Africa, with a large number of species growing on the Arabian Peninsula and Madagascar. Translated from Arabic, "aloe" means "bitter".

These plants bear modest-sized tubular flowers, typically colored red, orange, white, or yellow. The flowers are carried on a fairly tall peduncle in a terminal multi-flowered raceme. Under domestic conditions, it rarely blooms. Aloe lives in a flowerpot for 5-20 years, for which reason it is colloquially known as the "centurial plant".

Virtually all cultivated species of aloe are suitable for indoor culture and can even be used to green children's rooms. It is frequently employed as a "household healer". The plant is remarkably undemanding and there are typically never any maintenance problems associated with it. This plant can easily endure a deficiency of light, moisture, and warmth. Species that were previously grown only rarely now increasingly adorn conservatories. Aloe makes an excellent addition to arrangements featuring slow-growing plants.

Kilifi aloe is a stemless spotted species with broad fleshy leaves up to 9 cm (3.5 in) wide. The inflorescence consists of five or more bright red flowers with perianths noticeably constricted at the base. The species is an endemic native to riverbanks along the Kenya-Tanzania border and is endangered in the wild.

Seeds are presoaked 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 previously scalded with boiling water. A sowing substrate identical to that for adeniums may be used. Sowing is moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a propagator or covered with plastic wrap, and germinated in light, but not in full sun, at a temperature of 21-26 °C (70-79 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Avoid overwatering and desiccation of the sowings.

When propagating aloe from seed, cultivar traits may segregate. Seeds usually germinate within 3-4 weeks to 2-3 months, depending on conditions. Prick-potting is performed after 2-3 true leaves appear. Young plants are gradually accustomed 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 with water, where they initially float but later sink. Germination occurs unevenly starting from 4 weeks, but may take several months. Water is changed every few days. Seeds are removed individually as they germinate and placed into a substrate of equal parts sand and compost.

The critical step of this method is embedding the seed in the substrate with the radicle directed strictly downward, which might otherwise push the seed upward out of the soil instead of growing inward. Rising seeds are not pressed back down, but covered with a teaspoon of soil from above. For 4 weeks, each seed must be closely monitored and sprouts guided to secure the root.

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Aloe, like practically all succulents, is undemanding in care. The plant loves light, and therefore it is preferable to place it on the windowsills of windows located in the southern part of the room. However, it can also be grown in shaded places, but it should be noted that under severe light deficiency, the leaves will stretch and grow pale. In summer, the plant can be moved outdoors into the fresh air, but rainwater must not be allowed to fall on it. An aloe that has spent considerable time outdoors has distinct advantages over one grown exclusively indoors; specifically, it develops more robust spines and a well-formed stem.

In summer, 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 excessively sparse, the leaves will become very thin and contain little sap. Because the roots of aloe are very thick and fill the pot completely, watering from above causes water to run through almost immediately into the saucer. Therefore, bottom watering by pouring water directly into the drip tray makes good sense. Moreover, the finest roots capable of absorbing moisture are located at the very bottom. To avoid root rot, pour off any remaining liquid from the drip tray 30 minutes after watering. Air humidity does not matter to aloe. However, an occasional warm shower is beneficial to cleanse dust from the leaves.

In summer, aloe requires moderate air temperatures, and with the onset of winter it should be moved to a cooler space. The plant tolerates abrupt temperature changes remarkably well. Most species are capable of withstanding a temperature drop to 6 °C (43 °F). However, there are also species that require a temperature of not less than 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 chips. Peat should not be included in the composition. The substrate should have a slightly acidic reaction. You can also purchase a commercial cactus potting mix, into which a small amount of brick chips and charcoal is recommended. While the plant is young, repotting is carried out annually. Mature aloe requires repotting far less often, once every 2 or 3 years. Deep plant pots are chosen, ensuring good drainage.

Fertilizing is performed only once every 4 weeks and exclusively during the spring-summer period. For this, mineral fertilizer for succulents and cacti is used at very dilute strength. Feeding must cease in mid-autumn and not be resumed until spring.

Scale insects may target the plant. To eliminate them, wipe the leaves as frequently as possible with a cloth soaked in soapy water.