Aloes are a genus of small to large, rosetted, evergreen perennials, with fleshy, sword to lance-shaped leaves, bearing racemes or panicles of tubular or cylindrical flowers. Sap of crushed leaves is used to treat mild burns and sunburns. Aloe ramonisiss trunked shrub or tree-like species, crowned by a rosette of blue-green leaves arising from branches rather than the trunk. Leaves are 6 to 8 inches long and plant may grow to 5 feet in height. In summer, bears erect, 5- to 10- branched panicles, producing scarlet-orange flowers, 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches long. Grow as a houseplant or under glass, in a soil-based potting mix with added sand or perlite, where temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Water moderately during the growing season, sparingly while dormant. Sow seed at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or separate offsets in late spring and plant in cactus potting mix.
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Characteristics
Cultivar: n/aFamily: Liliaceae
Size: Height: 3 ft. to 5 ft.
Width: 3 ft. to 5 ft.
Plant Category: cacti and other succulents, houseplants,
Plant Characteristics: low maintenance,
Foliage Characteristics: medium leaves, evergreen,
Flower Characteristics:
Flower Color:
Tolerances: drought, heat & humidity,
Requirements
Bloomtime Range: Early Summer to Late Summer
USDA Hardiness Zone: 11 to 11
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant
Light Range: Full Sun to Full Sun
pH Range: 5.5 to 6.5
Soil Range: Some Sand to Sandy Loam
Water Range: Semi-Arid to Dry
Plant Care
Fertilizing
How-to : Fertilizing Houseplants Houseplants may be fertilized with: 1. water-soluble, quick release fertilizers; 2. temperature controlled slow-release fertilizers; 3. or organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion. Water soluble fertilizers are used every two weeks or per label instructions. Controlled, slow-release fertilizers are carefully worked into the soil usually only once during the growing season or per label directions. For organic fertilizers, such as fish emulsion, follow label directions. Allow houseplants to 'rest' during the winter months; stop fertilizing in late October and resume feeding in late February.
Light
Conditions : Bright Light for Houseplants Houseplants requiring bright light should be placed within 2 feet of an eastern or western exposure window or within 2 to 5 feet of a southern exposure window.
Conditions : Full Sun
Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.
Watering
Conditions : Semi-Arid Semi-Arid is defined as very little water/rainfall occurring only during certain times of the season.
Conditions : Dry
Dry is defined as an area that regularly receives water, but is fast draining. This results in a soil that is often dry to a depth of 18 inches.
Conditions : Dry Plants
Dry plants do not tolerate water logged soils and require very little water. Many cacti and succulents fall into this group. Water only when soil becomes completely dry. When watering, do so slowly for a long period of time so that topsoil does not wash away and so that soil has ample time to become moist enough to accept water. It is much better to water for a long time and less frequently allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Conditions : Normal Watering for Houseplants
Houseplants that require normal watering should be watered so that soil is completely saturated and excess water runs out the bottom of the pot. Never water just a little bit; this allows mineral salts to build up in the soil. The key to normal watering is to allow the top inch or two of potting soil to dry out between waterings. Check frequently as certain times of the year may dictate that you water more frequently. Also, some plants that require normal watering during the growing season, may require less during the winter months when they are dormant.
Planting
How-to : Planting Shrubs Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and deep enough to plant at the same level the shrub was in the container. If soil is poor, dig hole even wider and fill with a mixture half original soil and half compost or soil amendment.
Carefully remove shrub from container and gently separate roots. Position in center of hole, best side facing forward. Fill in with original soil or an amended mixture if needed as described above. For larger shrubs, build a water well. Finish by mulching and watering well.
If the plant is balled-and-burlapped, remove fasteners and fold back the top of natural burlap, tucking it down into hole, after you've positioned shrub. Make sure that all burlap is buried so that it won't wick water away from rootball during hot, dry periods. If synthetic burlap, remove if possible. If not possible, cut away or make slits to allow for roots to develop into the new soil. For larger shrubs, build a water well. Finish by mulching and watering well.
If shrub is bare-root, look for a discoloration somewhere near the base; this mark is likely where the soil line was. If soil is too sandy or too clayey, add organic matter. This will help with both drainage and water holding capacity. Fill soil, firming just enough to support shrub. Finish by mulching and watering well.
How-to : Planting a Tree
Dig out an area for the tree that is about 3 or 4 times the diameter of the container or rootball and the same depth as the container or rootball. Use a pitchfork or shovel to scarify the sides of the hole.
If container-grown, lay the tree on its side and remove the container. Loosen the roots around the edges without breaking up the root ball too much. Position tree in center of hole so that the best side faces forward. You are ready to begin filling in with soil.
If planting a balled and burlaped tree, position it in hole so that the best side faces forward. Untie or remove nails from burlap at top of ball and pull burlap back, so it does not stick out of hole when soil is replaced. Synthetic burlap should be removed as it will not decompose like natural burlap. Larger trees often come in wire baskets. Plant as you would a b&b plant, but cut as much of the wire away as possible without actually removing the basket. Chances are, you would do more damage to the rootball by removing the basket. Simply cut away wires to leave several large openings for roots.
Fill both holes with soil the same way. Never amend with less than half original soil. Recent studies show that if your soil is loose enough, you are better off adding little or no soil amendments.
Create a water ring around the outer edge of the hole. Not only will this conseve water, but will direct moisture to perimeter roots, encouraging outer growth. Once tree is established, water ring may be leveled. Studies show that mulched trees grow faster than those unmulched, so add a 3"" layer of pinestraw, compost, or pulverized bark over backfilled area. Remove any damaged limbs.
How-to : Repot
Now is the right time to repot.
Problems