Exploring the amazing world of aloes
ALOES are a genus of succulent flowering plants with over 500 species. Aloes come with rosettes of thick and fleshy leaves that grow at ground level. Native to Africa and the Middle East, aloes are now found globally. The most well-known would be the Aloe vera. Aloes continue to fascinate gardeners and collectors the world over today. Background Generally, aloes can be divided into:
Tree aloes such as Aloe bainesii – a large species that can group up to 10 metres tall, Aloe ferox, and Aloe speciosa.
Bush aloes such as Aloe arborescens, Aloe cillaris, and Aloe striatula.
Clumping aloes such as Aloe striata, Aloe saponaria, and Aloe spinosissima. Owing to the scarcity of some precious species of aloes, several countries have stopped exports. This includes the spiral Aloe polyphylla, which is very rare and found in Lesotho.
Aloe vera is easily the most grown of all aloes. It is well known for its health and medicinal values. To me, this aloe helps to relieve insect bites, especially the sting of bees.
This is actually ideal as an indoor plant, as long as you have a well-lit window. It quickly forms a clump with new plants rising from the base of the original plant.
Its jelly-like sap inside the thick leaves is extracted to treat skin complaints such as cuts, rashes, sunburn, and cold sores. Many gardeners have a plant on hand as first-aid treatment. In Indonesia and Malaysia, it is often used in the drinks industry and sold as jelly cubes.
While in New Zealand, I noticed that between early summer and autumn, most aloes produce tall and long stems rising above the foliage, which carry a mass of tubular flowers in red, orange, or yellow. It takes a few years for aloes to mature and then they would flower at least once a year.
The flowers produce a nectar which is small birds rely on during the cold season when there is a shortage of food sources. To me it is interesting that the long stalks of flowers look like long strings of corn, bearing many single florets. Cultivation notes
Remember aloes were once desert-only plants, so even the largest tree aloes have quite shallow roots. They can be transplanted easily and will establish quickly, tolerating strong winds without blowing over.
Good drainage is vital, particularly in temperate regions, as root rot will occur in wet soil. Apart from the occasional watering after planting, aloes are generally resistant to drought and can be fully exposed to the hot sun. A few varieties can withstand partial shade for a short while.
Aloes are really desert plants that receive only rare occasional rain, which would be enough to give them water to store in the plant for a long time. This is often not well understood by those living in hot tropical regions. Those planted in containers might need watering during times of drought.
These plants can do well using a cacti or succulents potting mix. Otherwise just combine a good general potting mix with granulated bark and coarse stones.
Aloes also do not need to be fertilised. Pruning is also unnecessary for most aloes. Landscape design
I have seen some gardeners plant Aloe vera in all sorts of plastic containers, painted in red, yellow, bright blue etc. Aloes can be a good design plant as they have a strong architectural form for interest and are low maintenance plantings. It is not surprising that aloes are a popular choice for landscaping.
Suitable companion plants are palms and cycads, as well as succulents such as echeverias, sedums, and some local plants. Remember that most aloes can be left in containers for ages without needing a change.
Thus starting with a collection of colourful pots can be an interesting focal point.
How about adding some aloes to your garden collection? Start with the common Aloe vera as it will also be useful to treat cuts and bites. The natural gel also has moisturising properties for the skin.
Do send me an email if you have questions, comments, or suggestions. Wishing all readers happy Malaysia Day and happy gardening.