Consulta Plantas

Care of the succulent plant Aloe thraskii or Dune Aloe

The genus Aloe is included in the subfamily Asphodeloideae (family Xanthorrhoeaceae), which comprises about 500 species of succulent plants native to Africa, Madagascar and the Middle East. Some species are: Aloe thraskii, Aloe tenuior, Aloe suprafoliata, Aloe striata, Aloe plicatilis, Aloe mitriformis, Aloe marlothii, Aloe maculata, Aloe juvenna, Aloe ferox, Aloe ciliaris, Aloe barberae, Aloe aristata, Aloe arborescens, Aloe aculeata, Aloe variegata, Aloe vera, Aloe x spinosissima, Aloe esculenta.

Common names: Dune Aloe, Coast Aloe. This species is native to South Africa.

They are large, slow-growing succulent plants that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height and adopt an arboreal bearing. The leaves are olive green, curved downward and have teeth on the margin. The showy orange or yellow flowers appear in conical clusters above the plant. They bloom from mid-winter to early spring.

They are used as isolated specimens, in small groups (planted 1 meter/3.28 feet away), in rockeries or even in pots. It is very important to grow these plants near the sea, making them ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Aloe traskii is grown in full sun or light shade exposure. They can withstand occasional light frosts but it is better not to expose them to temperatures below 5ºC (41 ºF).

They prefer sandy soils since in their natural habitat they grow on the coastal dunes. Good drainage is very important.

They have a high tolerance to drought, so you have to water them moderately, waiting for the soil to dry well.

Fertilization are not necessary.

They do not require pruning, but wilted flower stems and dried leaves can be removed.

They are plants resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity.

They propagate from seeds sown in spring but it is more advisable to do so from the shoots that the plant can produce at its base (not always).

Images of the succulent plant Aloe thraskii or Dune Aloe