Inflorescence in Bud Stage
Common Name: aloe
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asphodelaceae
Native Range: Southern Madagascar
Zone: 10 to 11
Height: 0.25 to 0.25 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Coral
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful, Evergreen
Other: Thorns
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Best grown in dry, sandy loams in full sun to partial shade. The leaves may turn brownish purple in full sun. Provide supplemental irrigation during the summer growing season for the fastest growth and best appearance. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering. Greatly reduce watering during the winter dormant period. Easily propagated from offsets. Hardy in Zones 10-11.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aloe rauhii, commonly called snowflake aloe, is a dwarf, succulent perennial endemic to the rocky scrublands of southwestern Madagascar. Mature rosettes can reach around 4" tall and 6" wide. Will slowly form small colonies from offsets. The grey-green, lanceolate leaves can reach 4" long and 0.75" wide. The leaves are marked with creamy white streaks and the margins are lined with small, white, spike-like teeth. The 1' tall inflorescences bear terminal, loose racemes of tubular flowers. The flowers are coral colored and can reach 2.75" long. This plant blooms seasonally depending on rainfall and winter temperatures.
The genus name Aloe comes from the Arabic name of these perennial succulents.
The specific epithet rauhii honors Werner Rauh (1913-2000), German botanist and professor who specialized in the succulent flora of Madagascar.
The common name snowflake aloe refers to the small size of this species and the creamy white markings on its foliage.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note. Overly moist or waterlogged soils will lead to root or crown rot.
Uses
Specimen plant for xeriscaping, desert gardens, and rock gardens. Suitable for container culture. Takes well to being grown indoors as a houseplant.