Aloe buhrii (Spotted Aloe)

Aloe buhrii, commonly known as Spotted Aloe or Buhr’s Aloe, is a striking succulent plant native to South Africa. Its unique spotted leaves and ease of care make it a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts. Let’s dive into how to care for this succulent, propagate, and maintain this exceptional plant.

How to Care for Aloe buhrii

Light Requirements

Aloe buhrii requires bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its vibrant color and healthy growth. Placing the plant near a south or west-facing window will provide it with the ideal light conditions. However, it’s essential to avoid direct sun exposure, as this can lead to leaf scorching and damage the plant’s appearance. Instead, use sheer curtains or move the plant a few feet away from the window to filter the sunlight.

During the winter months, Aloe buhrii’s light needs may change due to the shorter days and reduced sunlight. To ensure even light distribution and prevent leggy growth, rotate the plant every few weeks. If natural light is insufficient, consider supplementing with a grow light to keep your Aloe buhrii healthy and thriving.

Summary

Aloe buhrii needs bright, indirect sunlight, ideally near south or west-facing windows. Avoid direct sun to prevent scorching. Rotate during winter and use grow lights if needed.

Watering Aloe buhrii

Aloe buhrii is a drought-tolerant succulent, which means it doesn’t require frequent watering. The key to successful watering is to wait until the top two inches of soil have dried out before giving the plant a thorough soak. This typically translates to watering every two to four weeks, depending on the season and environment.

It’s crucial to use a well-draining pot and soil mix to prevent water from accumulating around the roots, as this can lead to root rot – a common issue with succulents. If you’re unsure whether it’s time to water your Aloe buhrii, it’s better to err on the side of underwatering, as the plant can recover more easily from dry conditions than from overwatering.

Summary

Water Aloe buhrii sparingly every 2-4 weeks when the top two inches of soil dry out. Use well-draining pots and soil to avoid root rot and overwatering.

Soil

The right soil is crucial for Aloe buhrii’s health and well-being. A well-draining soil mix that allows excess water to escape quickly is ideal. You can purchase a premade succulent or cactus soil mix, or you can create your own blend by combining equal parts of regular potting mix, perlite, and coarse sand.

When repotting your Aloe buhrii, choose a container with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom of the pot. A terra-cotta pot is an excellent choice, as it allows the soil to dry out faster due to its porous nature. Make sure to repot your Aloe buhrii every two to three years to provide fresh nutrients and maintain optimal growing conditions.

Summary

Use well-draining soil for Aloe buhrii, either premade or homemade with potting mix, perlite, and sand. Repot every 2-3 years in a terra-cotta pot with drainage holes.

Temperature and Humidity

Spotted Aloe prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C) for optimal growth. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures in the winter months, but it’s essential to keep the plant away from drafts, air conditioning vents, and cold windows to prevent damage from sudden temperature changes.

While Aloe buhrii doesn’t require high humidity levels, it’s essential to monitor the humidity in your home, especially during the winter months when indoor air tends to be drier. If you notice the plant’s leaves becoming wrinkled or brown, it could be a sign of low humidity. To raise the humidity around your Aloe buhrii, you can place a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles nearby, or group it with other humidity-loving plants. However, avoid misting the leaves, as excess moisture can lead to fungal issues.

Summary

Use well-draining soil for Aloe buhrii, either premade or homemade with potting mix, perlite, and sand. Repot every 2-3 years in a terra-cotta pot with drainage holes.

How to Propagate Aloe buhrii

Offsets (Pups)

Propagating Aloe buhrii through offsets, also known as pups, is the most straightforward and successful method. These pups are small plants that grow around the base of the mother plant and can be separated to create new individual plants. To propagate Aloe buhrii using pups, follow these steps:

1. Gently remove the soil around the base of the pup to expose the roots and connection to the mother plant.
2. Using a clean, sharp knife or gardening shears, carefully cut the pup away from the parent plant, taking care to retain some roots.
3. Let the pup dry for a day or two in a shaded area, allowing the cut area to callus. This helps prevent infection and rot when planting.
4. Plant the pup in a well-draining succulent mix in a pot with drainage holes. Place the pot in a brightly lit area with indirect sunlight.
5. Water the pup sparingly at first, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. As the pup establishes itself and shows signs of new growth, gradually increase the watering frequency to match the mother plant’s schedule.

Patience is essential when propagating Aloe buhrii pups, as it may take several weeks or even months for the new plant to become fully established.

Summary

Propagate Aloe buhrii using pups by removing soil, cutting from the mother plant, allowing to callus, planting in well-draining soil, and gradually increasing watering frequency.

Leaf Cuttings

While not as common or successful as propagating through pups, Aloe buhrii can also be propagated from leaf cuttings. This method requires more attention and care but can be rewarding for dedicated succulent enthusiasts. To propagate Aloe buhrii using leaf cuttings, follow these steps:

1. Choose a healthy, mature leaf from the lower part of the plant. Using a clean, sharp knife or gardening shears, carefully remove the leaf from the stem.
2. Allow the leaf to dry for a few days in a shaded area, giving time for the cut end to form a callus. This process is crucial for preventing rot and infection when planting the cutting.
3. Dip the callused end of the leaf into rooting hormone powder to encourage faster root development.
4. Plant the leaf cutting vertically in a well-draining succulent soil mix, with the callused end approximately 1 inch deep. Place the pot in a brightly lit area with indirect sunlight.
5. Keep the soil slightly moist but not wet. Overwatering can cause the cutting to rot before it has a chance to root. Using a spray bottle to mist the soil is an effective way to maintain the appropriate moisture level.
6. After four to six weeks, you should notice new growth emerging from the base of the cutting. At this point, you can begin caring for the new Aloe buhrii plant as you would the mother plant.

Keep in mind that propagating Aloe buhrii from leaf cuttings can be more challenging and may not always result in successful rooting. However, with patience and attention to detail, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating a new plant from a single leaf.

Summary

Select a healthy leaf, allowing it to callus, using rooting hormone, planting in well-draining soil, and maintaining slight moisture. Patience is key.

Fertilizing Your Aloe buhrii

Fertilize your Aloe buhrii sparingly, using a diluted liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for succulents. Apply the fertilizer once in the spring and again in the summer, avoiding the winter months when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak growth and potential harm to the plant.

Common Pests and Diseases

Aloe buhrii is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. Keep an eye out for these pests, and treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Prevent fungal diseases and root rot by providing proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.

Summary

Fertilize Aloe buhrii sparingly with diluted succulent fertilizer in spring and summer. Watch for pests like mealybugs and scale insects, treating with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Where to Buy

You can buy Buhr’s Aloe from Etsy