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Fynbos Aloe
Aloe succotrina
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An attractive aloe that is indigenous to the Western Cape of South Africa. It thrives in gardens that feature fynbos and strandveld plants. The plants form clusters that can grow up to 1.5 m tall. Striking dark orange-red flowers appear mid-winter and are pollinated by sunbirds. It suits well in shallow, rocky soils.
Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering time
Winter
Fruiting time
Spring
Harvesting
Harvest small black seeds approximately 3 months after flowering.
Propagation
Seed
Sow seeds fresh during spring/summer in planting trays with sandy soil. Cover with 1-2 mm of sand and keep moist. Germination should take place within 3 weeks. Plant out young seedlings after a year.
Division
This can be done at any time of the year. Break off offshoots with a sharp knife or pruning shears. Wounds should be dusted with sulphur to prevent fungal contamination.
Cuttings
This can be done at any time of the year. Make cuttings with a sharp knife or pruning shears. Wounds should be dusted with sulphur to prevent fungal contamination.
Special features
Drought resistant
Can survive for extended periods without being watered.
Geography
Origin
South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Peninsula to Mosselbay
Natural climate
Summer dry, fynbos climate, moist windy winters.
Environment
Light
Full Sun
Soil moisture
Dry
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil PH preference
Acid, Neutral
Frost hardiness
Half-Hardy
Personality
Family
Aloaceae or Asphodelaceae
Flower colour
Dark orange red
Scent
None
Problems
This species of aloe is susceptible to aloe snout-weevil. The larvae caterpillars of these beetles destroy the crowns of aloes. If discovered in time, they can be removed manually and the crown cleaned out, destroying the caterpillars. The weevils can be killed by hand.
Companion plants
Lampranthus emarginatus, Crassula rupestris, Crassula coccinea
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