Torch Plant (Aloe Aristata) is a low growing succulent native to South Africa. It may be small in stature, but it is one of the strongest aloe plants. This plant is hardy and easy to grow in almost all types of climates and growing conditions. Learn how to propagate, grow Torch Plant or Aloe Aristata and its care.
Contents
Torch Factory Basic Data
- Common names): Torch Plant, Torch, Aloe Lace
- Scientific name: Aristaloe aristata
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Height and extension: 15 to 20 cm high and 3 to 5 cm wide
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Usually I: Dry, with good drainage
- Water: down
It has dark green fleshy leaves and soft thorns, which have white bumps. When the weather changes, the leaves tend to change color and red-orange flowers grow on the long stems.
How to Propagate Torch Plant
The easiest way to propagate a torch plant is to collect offshoots. The “Aloe pups” or offshoots can be easily removed from the parent plant in the spring when the plant is transplanted.
Remove suckers from the base of the plant. If possible, look for suckers that have already started to form leaf rosettes.
Plant them in the same cactus mix used for the main plant. They should be planted at a depth of about 5 centimeters and covered with a little sand or perlite. This helps reduce rot.
Place the easy suckers out of direct sunlight and water sparingly. Within a few weeks you should start to see new growth.
Plant Care with a Torch
Growing a torch plant is easy, but if you want it to thrive, paying attention is essential. These plants are ideal as indoor succulents but grow just as well outdoors.
light and temperature
The torch plant grows in bright light. Even if you don’t expose it to the sun at any time of the day, make sure you keep it in a bright room, possibly under grow lights.
Eventually it will stop growing if not kept near a window for long periods of time.
It can easily grow at room temperature and can even survive dry weather. If you want the tips of this plant to produce flowers, it is best to keep it above 10°C (50°F) at all times.
water and humidity
When this plant grows, it needs watering or it dries out. It’s best to water the potting mix regularly if you want the roots to stay moist.
When the plant is fully grown, you need to water it less often, but make sure that the soil does not completely lose its moisture.
It does not need regular watering as it matures, as the succulent, fleshy stems and leaves store water.
When watering, make sure that water does not accumulate in the rosette of this plant, water only at ground level.
Usually I
The soil of a Torch Plant should not contain too much water. Sandy soil or a cactus mix is more suitable and will keep the plant upright and healthy for a long time.
To improve soil drainage, you can always add perlite, vermiculite or pumice stone. To look at: How to make a substrate (soil) for succulents and cacti
Fertilizer
When your Aristaloe aristata plant reaches adult size, feed it at least once a month throughout the growing season.
Decrease the amount in fall and winter, and once it has reached adult size. To look at: Fertilize Succulents with Organic and Homemade Methods
winter care
Torch Plant is hardier than other plants of its genus, but cannot survive extremely cold climates. It is best to remove this plant from your garden and keep it indoors during the winter season.
However, place it near a window so it gets the sunlight it needs to thrive. During the summer, it is essential to expose it to a lot of sun, because this plant loves heat. It will bloom in fall and summer, not spring.
harmful
The Torch plant can easily attract pests such as scale insects. These insects hide under the leaves and then burrow into the roots, which can destroy the whole plant.
To get rid of these insects, you can buy insect repellents or use a damp cloth to manually remove them from the stem and leaves.
You can also use a high pressure hose, which will kill or run away all the insects in no time.
Transplant
It is best to transplant this plant in the spring. Make sure the pots are shallow and one size larger than the previous pot.
If you repot the plant and it starts to rot, change the mix and make sure the leaves aren’t buried too deeply.
A good idea is to dust with sand, which can prevent the leaves from touching the ground. If the roots are too small, be sure not to remove them from the plant or they will stop growing.
frequently asked Questions
Is Aloe aristata the same as Aloe vera?
The Aloe aristata plant is not the same as the Aloe vera plant. It belongs to the Asphodelaceae family and has more in common with haworthia plants than with the Aloe vera plant.
Is Aloe Artistata edible?
Unlike Aloe vera plants that can be eaten, the Aloe aristata plant has poisonous leaves and can cause serious harm if eaten.
It may also be interesting to read: 4 methods to propagate sansevieria (Saint George’s sword)
Growing Torch Plant is a good option if you are looking for a succulent houseplant. It can also bring beauty to your garden. However, you should be more careful and careful during the winter.
Share it on the networks: