![]() Ensure cool soil temperatures, and don’t use a heat mat, as the seeds won’t germinate if the temperature exceeds 80☏. If the seed is scarified, scatter it over the potting medium and then cover it with a very fine sprinkling of soil. roughed up a bit to break the outside dry coating, using fine grit sandpaper. While information on coaxing spiral aloe seeds to germinate is not always consistent, experts agree that the seeds should be pretreated before sowing by either soaking them in water until the radicle emerges (the first sprout from the seed) or scarified, i.e. The ideal mix is similar to a cactus potting mix or a hydroponic grow system. For rock, use 5/16” grade red lava, perlite or pumice. Any high-quality potting soil will work, but avoid peat moss products, because they can hold too much water. Use a mix of rock and potting soil in a ratio of 1:1. Potting MediumĮnsure that your container or pot has drainage holes. ![]() In hot climates, these plants typically grow in the shade of larger shrubs and trees, so they may need some protection from direct sunlight during hot afternoons to provide more indirect light. So it’s no wonder this plant requires a well-draining soil medium to avoid root rot and other fungal diseases. We will incorporate comments we receive from others, and welcome to hear from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.The spiral aloe grows in a range of soils although, like most aloes, it is found naturally on rocky slopes and gravelly soils. We also note those observations we have made of this plant as it grows in the nursery's garden and in other gardens, as well how crops have performed in our nursery field. Information displayed on this page about Aloe polyphylla is based on the research conducted about it in our library and from reliable online resources. Though we like this plant and have had very nice crops and specimen plants in containers in the nursery we have also had production problems and many customers tell us that they can't keep it attractive in their landscapes so we have discontinued offering this beautiful and unusual plant. While this plant is called Spiral Aloe the world over for the arrangement of its leaves within the rosette, the Afrikaans common name Kroonaalwyn translates to "Crown Aloe". The name 'polyphylla' comes from Latin words 'poly' meaning "many" and 'phylla' meaning "leaves". Our plants were from material propagated by tissue culture using cultivated material. Because of this, plants in the wild are now considered endangered and plants should not be purchased if it is suspected that the plant or seed has been wild collected. This rare and beautiful aloe has become a prized collector's item and has also been used for African tribal medicinal and magical purposes (Muthi). At these elevations plants are often under snow in winter and there is ample summer moisture both through mist and rainfall. This aloe is endemic to basalt rock outcroppings within grasslands in the higher elevations between 6,500 and 8,200 feet of the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho in South Africa. Plant in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil and water regularly (thirstier than most aloes!). In late spring to summer mature plants send up a 2 foot tall branching inflorescence capped by a compact head of salmon-pink flowers. ![]() The individual leaves are broad at the base and taper to sharp dark tip with irregular teeth along the margins. This spiral may be clockwise or counter clockwise and is formed by five rows of leaves with each row having between 15 and 30 leaves each. Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water NeedsĪloe polyphylla (Spiral Aloe) - This aloe is stemless and usually has a solitary rosette to 1 foot tall and wide whose leaves are arranged in a perfect spiral. This is an archive page preserved for informational use. Note: This plant is not currently for sale.
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