Overview
Aloe vryheidensis is a clump forming cactus succulent in the genus Aloe, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows 0.05–0.07 metres wide. Aloe vryheidensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1C. Suggested uses include houseplants and sub-tropical.
About
Aloe vryheidensis is one of only two aloes indigenous to KwaZulu-Natal that have sessile campanulate flowers with dark nectar in a simple inflorescence. It differs from Aloe spicata in having procumbent to shortly sub-erect stems (not erect) that are sometimes absent, arcuate-erect to slightly spreading leaves (not recurved) and an inflorescence with the peduncle oblique (not erect), then bent upwards directly below the erect raceme. The racemes of Aloe vryheidensis are narrow (5 - 7 cm wide), but slightly wider than those of Aloe spicata, with pinkish-brown flowers (not greenish-yellow). The ovary has red lines longitudinally down the 3 broad angles. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it needs a warm, frost-free position in the UK (RHS H1c). Suggested uses include houseplants and sub-tropical. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
GBIF contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikipedia
About the genus
Aloe is a genus containing over 650 species of flowering succulent plants. The most widely known species is Aloe vera, or "true aloe". It is called this because it is cultivated as the standard source for assorted pharmaceutical purposes.
Wikipedia contributors, "Aloe", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aloe
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aloe
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
Aloe vryheidensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Spread
- 0.05–0.07 metres
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aloe vryheidensis
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown with heat as soon as ripe or from offsets
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aloe vryheidensis?
Aloe vryheidensis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aloe vryheidensis need?
Aloe vryheidensis grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Aloe vryheidensis grow?
Aloe vryheidensis reaches a spread of 0.05–0.07 metres.
Is Aloe vryheidensis hardy in the UK?
Aloe vryheidensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Aloe vryheidensis?
Propagate by seed sown with heat as soon as ripe or from offsets.