Aloe helenae

Aloe helenae

Family: Aloaceae.

Aloe helenae is a rare Madagascan species that is highly sought after by collectors. The plant is typically non-branching, but may sucker at the base. It has deeply channeled, recurved olive-green leaves that can turn red in bright light or during drought stress. The plant can reach up to 13 feet tall, and produces unique flowers in late winter to early spring. The flower stalks are multiple, short, unbranched, and tightly covered with hundreds of bright red buds that fade to pale yellow before opening with flaring petals, resembling a grouping of Banksia flowers.

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: November 2024