Aloe Ciliaris

Description

Aloe ciliaris, formerly known as Aloe ciliaris var. ciliaris, is a unique and fast-growing succulent plant native to South Africa’s Eastern Cape thicket. Here’s a breakdown of its characteristics and how to keep it flourishing:

Description:

• Leaves:
  • Shape: Soft, green, narrow, and spear-shaped.
  • Arrangement: Spirally arranged around the long, semi-woody stems.
  • Edges: Distinctive feature – tiny white “eyelashes” (cilia) fringing the margins and extending around the base where the leaf clasps the stem.
  • Texture: Slightly recurved, aiding the plant in climbing and anchoring itself in dense vegetation.
• Flowers:
  • Color: Orange-red, drooping, and quite striking.
  • Bloom Time: Can flower at any time but typically in spring.
• Size: A vine-like succulent, Aloe ciliaris can reach impressive heights of 30 feet or more in ideal conditions with proper support. Indoors, it will be noticeably smaller.

Growing Tips:

• Light: Thrives in full sun, but can tolerate bright indirect sunlight as well. Avoid excessive direct sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, especially in very warm climates.
• Water: As a succulent, it stores water in its leaves and prefers to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is detrimental. Water deeply when the soil feels completely dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain freely from the pot. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy.
• Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix is essential. You can also create your own by mixing regular potting mix with perlite or coarse sand for better drainage.
• Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 90°F (18°C and 32°C). It cannot tolerate frost.
• Fertilizer: Feeding is not strictly necessary but can be done occasionally during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced succulent fertilizer.

Additional Tips:

• Aloe ciliaris is a fast grower and can be easily propagated from stem cuttings.
• Due to its vining nature, it can be grown as a rambling groundcover or trained to climb a trellis or other support structure.
• Keep an eye out for common succulent pests like mealybugs or scale, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.

By following these tips, your Aloe ciliaris will thrive for many years, adding a touch of unique charm and vertical interest to your space with its cascading green foliage and vibrant orange-red flowers.