Aloe ferox f. variegata Ø 21

A living sculpture with precious highlights

This elite selection combines the fierce stature of the typical species with a spectacular longitudinal variegation of cream-yellow, ivory, and bright green. Its fleshy leaves, arranged in a compact rosette, are edged with characteristic reddish-brown spines that create a breathtaking colour contrast with the pale stripes.

Exposure: thrives in full sun or bright light for at least 6 hours daily. In summer, light afternoon shade helps preserve the intensity of the variegation.

Soil: needs a well-draining substrate, specific for succulents, with coarse sand or pumice. A good mix: 60% fertile soil, 30% inert material, 10% mature organic matter.

Watering: moderate and infrequent. Water only when the soil is completely dry. In winter, suspend almost entirely, avoiding waterlogging which causes root rot.

Fertilising: from spring to late summer, apply a liquid cactus fertiliser, high in potassium and low in nitrogen, every 3–4 weeks. Stop in autumn-winter.

Flowers: in the wild, it produces spectacular orange or red inflorescences on stems up to 2 metres tall. In pots, with good care, it rarely flowers but rewards with its striking leaf architecture.

Curiosities: the variegation is unstable and may appear on new shoots. To maintain it, propagate by side cuttings, selecting the most striped parts. A long-lived and very hardy plant, it tolerates brief frosts down to -5°C if kept dry.

• Botanist’s tip: rotate the pot weekly for even growth and balanced variegation.
• Caution: the yellow leaf latex is bitter and may irritate skin – handle with gloves.

Not grafted
Code 1721