Care of the succulent plant Astroloba spiralis or Aloe spiralis |
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The genus Astroloba, family Asphodelaceae, includes 16 species of succulent plants native to South Africa. Some species are: Astroloba spiralis, Astroloba foliosa, Astroloba congesta, Astroloba robusta. Scientific synonyms: Aloe spiralis, Haworthia spiralis, Apicra spiralis. They are succulent plants of cover bearing that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. The fleshy, triangular leaves spiral around the stem and are green with reddish edges if they get a lot of sun. The flowers are small and white. They bloom in the fall. They are used in pots for patios and terraces and as houseplants by a window. In frost-free regions they are used in rockeries and to cover dry slopes. Astroloba spiralis grows in semi-shade and full sun exposures (it will take on reddish tones). It does not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of equal parts coarse sand and leaf litter or a commercial potting mix for cacti and succulents. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely; in winter reduce watering to one month a month at most. Fertilize once in early spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti. Prune wilted flower stems. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but very sensitive to excess watering. They are propagated by leaf cuttings, by separation of suckers and from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the succulent plant Astroloba spiralis or Aloe spiralis |
 Astroloba spiralis  Astroloba spiralis |