Aloe capitata

Aloe capitata

Family: Aloaceae

Native to Madagascar. This single-headed plant has stemless rosettes to .6 m. The fleshy tapered leaves are a milky blue-gray color under less sunny conditions, becoming purple-tinged with stronger sun. The margins are edged with small triangular dark red teeth. The flower spike is topped with a rounded head of flowers, tubular at the bud stage and widening at the mouth when they open to become narrowly bell-shaped. The buds are a vivid glossy orange, while the open flowers are yellow.

Sowing instructions: Seeds germinate very well but may damp off if overwatered. Use a mixture of river sand, compost and soil to sow seeds in. Sprinkle the seeds evenly on the surface and cover with a layer of small pebbles. The pebbles help the seedlings to stay upright and prevent damping off. Keep seed tray in a dry warm corner and do not allow to dry out. Transplant the seedlings after one year.

Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: January 2024