Red hot poker aloe (Aloe aculeata)

Red hot poker aloe

Red hot poker aloe is a small succulent named for its flowers, which look similar to those of the unrelated red hot poker plant. With thick-spiked, evergreen leaves, this plant is often grown indoors, offering year-round appeal. Its upright growth is ideal for containers, and since it is a desert native, it needs little water.

Scientific classification

Species

Red hot poker aloe (Aloe aculeata)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent

Plant Type

Mid winter

Bloom Time

1 m

Plant Height

Orange, Red

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Care Guide for Red hot poker aloe

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from arid regions, red hot poker aloe is drought-tolerant due to its water-storing leaves, requiring infrequent watering every three weeks. Preferring full sun and well-draining soil, red hot poker aloe thrives outdoors and benefits from adequate sunlight during the growing season for vigorous growth.

Fertilize: Red hot poker aloe thrives without fertilizer, but for enhanced growth, apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer annually in spring or spread a 1 inch (2.5 cm) layer of worm castings. Over-fertilizing or feeding in cold seasons can harm growth.

Pruning: Red hot poker aloe requires minimal pruning, focusing on removing spent flower stalks and dead leaves. Trim orange or brown leaves to enhance nutrient delivery to healthy parts. Use a knife for smaller plants and shears for larger ones to maintain plant health.

Propagation: Red hot poker aloe is typically propagated by separating pups from the mother plant using a garden trowel, rather than from seeds. This method is favored due to the abundance of pups produced when red hot poker aloe reaches maturity.

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