Plant description
Coral Aloe is a beautiful succulent to about 20 inches tall by 2 feet wide with rosettes of a few flat broad pale gray-green leaves that vary in color depending on the amount of sunlight the plant receive each day. When left in hot full sun the foliage is pinkish, but in shaded spots they are often bluish-green.
- Botanical Name: Aloe Striata
- Common Name: Coral aloe
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Mature Size: Up to 20 in. tall
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial sun
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy, sandy soil
- Soil pH: Acid, neutral, alkaline
- Bloom Time:Late Winter, early Spring
- Leaves: Blue-green leaves are edged with a coral color
- Flower Color: bright-orange to pinkish-red
- Hardiness Zones:9 - 11, USA
- Native Area: South Africa
Coral Aloe growing conditions
The key growing conditions that coral aloe succulent plant require are soil type, light, water, and temperature!
Soil
Accustomed to poor soils, this Aloe is content with ordinary, very well-drained soil, sand and garden soil.
Light
Coral aloe thrives well in full sun to light shade exposures and although it can tolerate 0°C if the soil is very dry. For good growth, be sure to provide at least six, but ideally eight, hours of sunlight per day.
Water
- Winter: light watering once a month.
- Spring/Autumn: Water every 15 days.
- Summer: once a week, when the soil is very dry.
- It is always a good idea to wait for the soil to be completely dry before watering, and to give preference to one large watering rather than several small watering.
Fertilizer
Coral aloe doesn't require fertilizer for successful growth and development. You can add a fertilizer rich in phosphorus once a year in spring to encourage more vigorous growth, the same effect can be achieved by spreading a 2.5 cm-thick layer of worm castings over the soil surface in mid-spring. (ads1) Be careful, however, not to over-fertilize, as this can result in thin and overly long leaves developing.
Coral Aloe flowers
Coral aloe plant in full sun have the best chance of blooming!
- Move your plant outdoor once temperatures warm up and no freezes are expected.
- The best temperatures for flowering are 70 to 85 degrees F. (21-29 C.) during the day and no lower than 60 degrees F. (15 C.).
- Your aloe plant will produce stunning coral blooms.
- Coral aloe flowering occurs in the late winter and early spring months, with eye-catching coral red blooming inflorescence that bring color and joy to your life!
- Flowers appear atop a long, branched stalk, with a very attractive coral color, between bright-orange to pinkish-red, on a raceme 20-30" (50-70 cm) in height.
- The coral bright-orange to pinkish-red flowers are what coral aloes are known for.
- The large stalks that grow from the center are where the blooms will appear. Rising about 2’ feet above the basal rosette.
- The flower color is perfect for adding a spot of brightness and vibrancy to any winter gardens.
- The bloom time usually starts late winter, until spring.
- The eye-catching coral bright-orange to pinkish-red blooming inflorescence bring color to flower beds and decorative containers in a sunny location.
- The flowers are full of nectar that attract bees, and butterflies.
Collecting the seeds
If you’d like to propagate some new specimens from your plant at home. Collecting coral aloe seeds is easy, but it may take some patience, and you have to follow some simple steps to have good seeds at hands. But it’s well worth it!
After fertilization, seed pods will develop at the top, grow quickly and split open into three flaps, called valves, in summer to release the wind-dispersed seeds.
Seeds must be collected before they fall to the ground naturally!
- To collect the seeds, tie gently around the maturing pods a drawstring mesh bag. Always be sure that the bag is not holding moisture, as this can lead to mildew growth and rotting.
- Let them dry well.
- Once the seeds are collected, they should be planted as soon as possible. As stored, seeds quickly lose viability.
- You can start your seeds indoors any time of the year.
Plant care
Coral aloe is a low-maintenance plant. Providing it gets enough sun and isn't overwatered!
Growing Coral Aloe from seeds
This aloe plant is easy to grow from seeds
- Seeds can be sown any time of the year indoors.
- Sow the seeds in a well-draining medium.
- Lightly cover the seeds.
- Water
- The ideal temperature for germination is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once you have sprouts, try to keep them moist, the seedlings don't appreciate it if you let the potting medium dry out.
Coral aloe common problems
Root rot is the most leading cause of the death of this succulent. It often occurs if there is a lot of moisture in the soil, or if the soil tends to retain it. The best prevention is watering infrequently, especially if air humidity is high.
What to do to save your coral aloe if it is already affected by root rot?
- First, you have to remove your plant from the pot.
- Inspect the roots and remove any black, slimy parts.
- If the majority of the root is affected by the rot, cut away the largest leaves. Depending on the severity of the root rot, this might work, but you must know that with fewer leaves, your aloe plant has a lower chance to survive.
Why does coral aloe plant leaves fall over?
- The leaves can fall over due to too much or too little sunlight.
- Excess moisture in the soil.
- Cold temperatures.
- Diseases
Why do the leaves of coral aloe turn red?
Coral aloe leaves turns red due to intense sunlight and lack of water. Simply move your plant to a partly shaded spot and water it, your beloved succulent will recover nearly within a few days!
Watch the amazing Coral Aloe succulent video
🛒 Coral Aloe - Aloe Striata Plant (2 inch) 🛒
By following these simple steps, not only you have a lovely, healthy coral aloe, but your coral aloe is going to reward you with a beautiful and unique flower too!
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