Aloes

[4pygmies]

I'm chuntering about this on the BB too....I thought I'd ID'ed it as Aloe bainesii....I'll have to go back just to check won't I?

www.bihrmann.com/CAUDICIFORMS/subs/alo-pil-sub.asp

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_bainesii

I can't really tell much difference... I ought to buy it for the sake of clarity then....

[mickthecactus]

I repotted Aloe ferox yesterday.

It's the second largest plant that I have and is about 5' tall. It was down aty the end of the garden on the decking but the position is wrong and I wanted to bring it up to the patio near the house where it gets much more sunshine (and I can see it). It was so pot bound to the extent that it was pushing itself out of the pot. With the pot it was far too heavy form me to lift so I knocked the pot off, sat the plant in the wheelbarrow lengthways and got it up to the house.

Then we went out and got a HUGE pot (that I couls just about lift) - don't ask the cost, and I repotted it and then hosed it down as the leaves had got very dirty. I need to get some decent pebbles for top dressing and it will then look superb.

It's too big to get into the greenhouse for winter now so it will be wrapped in bubble wrap next month and left outside. I do that each year and it comes through unscathed.

[mickthecactus]

They'd be lovely The witch.

Couldn't you move home nearer to me and bring them over?

[bogmyrtle]

Mick, I still haven't potted up the variegata babies or chopped the old one, should I bother before the spring or are they best left until then? (I ask because I have been advised not to bother repotting my yucca until the spring although roots are showing through the bottom of the pot - it won't add anything to the plant over winter)

[mickthecactus]

I think it best to leave it until spring now although I must say that I am repotting my Aloes at present but that's because I don't usually have enough time in spring so I tend to repot as and when I have time.

[chickadeedeedee]

Who did I buy, please?

[mickthecactus]

Gasteria species not Aloe.

Nice plant though.

[chickadeedeedee]

Gasteria? That's a new one for me. Thanks for the ID Mr. C.!

Any tips how best to care for this little one?

[mickthecactus]

Sunny, cool and dry for now. Give a little water come Feb time. In summer they appreciate a little shade.

The name alludes to the flowers which are stomach shaped.

They are quite closes to Aloes and you can cross between them.

[chickadeedeedee]

Stomach shaped flowers?!?!?

Thanks again Mr. C.! You're always so generous with your information and encouragement.

[mickthecactus]

You're very welcome.

[mickthecactus]

By the way C3D, you send lovely picures of your plants and animals but we don't have a picture of you for our gallery.

Please??