Succulent fans, Aloe humilis—the spider aloe—is a stunning addition to your indoor collection! This easy-care succulent will enhance any area. This site explains how to grow and maintain this lovely plant.
About Aloe Humilis (Spider Aloe)
Spider Aloe humilis, a low-growing succulent native to South Africa’s northern Great Karoo, is Aloe humilis. It has amazing rosettes of broad and incurved greyish-green leaves with reddish spots and tall flowering spikes. This intriguing plant needs bright light and well-drained soil to thrive in USDA zones 9-11.
Given its long bloom cycles, Aloe humilis can grow 3 feet tall and 3 feet broad outdoors. Indoors, this plant will likely stay under 2 feet tall.
The Spider Aloe can handle more moisture than most ornamental aloes, causing neophyte gardeners to believe that aloes need little water. This plant needs a lot of water in summer, therefore keep it in full sun and dry. Don’t worry about pests or diseases attacking your spider aloe, no matter where you display it!
While studying, we found that some South African cultures treat cuts by spreading Spider Aloe stem juice on the wound, which not only heals but also gives any area a unique, easy-care aesthetic!
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Table of Contents
Aloe Humilis Care
Spider aloe is a beautiful, low-growing succulent. South African native, it thrives in warm areas and can withstand frigid conditions. Aloe humilis needs light and well-drained soil. Extreme wetness causes root rot in most aloes.
This species can grow two feet tall and one foot wide under ideal conditions. Aloes have broad, spindly leaves with delicate yellow-green hue and mottled patterns or blazing red tips from bright light exposure. A shallow root system produces rosettes with deeply grooved stems. If grown in full sun, small yellow flowers develop on tall spikes above the foliage in mid- to late April.
Aloe humilis needs good drainage and mild temperatures throughout the growing season (60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). Overwatering promotes rot, powdery mildew, and botrytis rot. Many growers prefer to water this plant directly onto the roots, however if frost has been a problem in your area, decrease watering after winter till spring.
Fertilize lightly in early spring using low-nitrogen cactus/succulent food mixes from garden centers or online vendors to avoid overwatering soil during peak summer evaporation. Spider aloes grow best outside year-round from established individuals planted on permanent sites in full sun with periods of bright shade. Bring them indoors for winter protection if temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
SIZE
The clump-forming species grows to 6″ tall and 3′ broad. Blooms for months. Star-shaped, yellow flowers can also be orange or pink.
Soil And Transplanting
Cactus mix dirt helps spider aloe drain. Root rot can result from overwatering. Growing spider plants outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9b–11b is easy. Indoors, grow in bright light but not direct sunlight at 65°–80° F (18°–27° C). Aloe humilis loves to be re-potted every two or three years with well-draining cactus mix at the same level.
Flowering and Fragrance
Aloe humilis is mainly grown for its ornamental value, rather than for fragrant flowers. This succulent can flower throughout the year, but it’s more likely to produce blooms in summer and fall when outdoor temperatures are milder. The star-shaped flower heads contain many small yellow or orange blooms, and will sit just above the foliage on thin stems. These blooms are quite small and have no fragrance, yet still make up a floral display that is sure to be admired! When planting in pots, it’s best to choose one with good drainage holes – spider aloe’s roots need plenty of oxygen.
Light and Temperature
Aloe humilis prefers bright light but may handle medium light and should not be in direct sun for more than two hours per day. Outdoors, pick a position with some noon sun protection. To illuminate it, place it near a south or west-facing window. Expect slow growth and fewer blossoms with little light.
Warm temperatures—65°F–80°F (18°C–26°C)—are ideal for Spider Aloe growth. In USDA hardiness zones 9b–11, Aloe humilis can survive outdoors year-round with protection. Aloe needs 40°F–50°F (5°C–10°C) temperatures to endure cooler weather. Freezing temperatures or 40°F will harm these succulents.
Watering and Fertilizer
Aloe humilis needs to be watered every two or three weeks in summer and once a month in winter to avoid drying up. Mulch and gravel protect plants from light frosts and retain moisture during warm weather. Feed Aloe humilis diluted liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 every few months during the growing season. To avoid root burn, water before and after feeding to distribute nutrients.
Grooming & Maintenance
Aloe humilis care is simple and beneficial. Pruning is the only task, but it’s one of the best for your plant. Since spring and summer are excellent growing seasons, prune and groom.
Remove dead and damaged leaves first. Trimming spent stems and wilting blooms ensures optimum growth and maintains the Aloe at its best! Trim the plant using sharp shears or scissors. Use tip pruning or selective thinning to make your young Spider Aloe erect with a central leader.
Grooming also keeps plant tissues hydrated. This reduces summer moisture stress and improves growth. Make sure no old leaves from uprooted plants touch other plants when brushing or combing them out. This could spread pests or diseases. Finally, regularly remove fallen leaves to avoid mulching material buildup on the soil surface, which can cause root rot.
Aloe Humilis Propagation
Aloe humilis is a low-growing succulent with orange-yellow spring and summer flowers. If watered and lit, they can bloom again in summer. Offsets or base leaf cuttings spread Aloe humilis readily. Cut an offset at the base without damaging the parent plant. A mature leaf can be cut off with sharp scissors or a clean blade close to the root and left to grow calluses before planting in fresh soil. Single leaves can be rooted by placing them on standard soil medium, covering them with another thin layer of soil, and keeping the top moist until new roots emerge. This applies to all Aloes because they propagate similarly.
Aloe humilis is a lovely and durable succulent that may be grown inside or outdoors. This plant is easy to grow from offsets or leaves, making it an excellent option for plant collectors and friends.
Aloe humilis may be propagated from offsets after it forms numerous tiny rosettes. Carefully extract a rosettes off the mother plant and repot it in a well-draining soil mix. Plant the new plant at the same depth and keep it out of direct sunlight for a few days.
To grow Aloe humilis from leaf cuttings, use a healthy, mature leaf at least six inches long. Cut the leaf from the plant just below the stem using a sharp knife or scissors. Before planting, dry the cuttings for 2-3 days to callus.
Plant cuttings immediately into pots with a well-draining soil mix. Water the soil well, but let it dry before watering again. Be patient and nurture your cuttings in strong light—Aloe humilis roots in three weeks.
After rooting, transfer your cutting into ordinary soil. Keep the soil wet but not soggy and position the plant in sunlight. Your new Aloe humilis will develop into a lovely, robust plant that you may reproduce again.
Aloe humilis benefits
Aloe humilis, a gorgeous succulent, has several health and horticultural advantages. The fresh gel of this plant may cure sunburns as well as aloe vera. To chill burnt skin, use the gel.
Aloe humilis attracts bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects as well as being therapeutic. These pollinators feed birds and other garden animals, providing a healthy ecology.
Aloe humilis’ abundant offsets may be separated to propagate the plant. You can propagate the plant from leaves, but it’s not necessary.
Aloe humilis is a tiny succulent with dense clusters of stemless or very short-stemmed rosettes of light blue-green leaves with irregular bumps and soft spines along the edges. One of the smallest aloes, “humilis” means “low-growing.” Its tiny size and erect, evergreen leaves make it a good houseplant for diverse lighting situations.
Aloe humilis has tall, triangular leaves with white speckles that create a rosette, making it appealing and interesting. It’s perfect for beginner gardeners because it doesn’t need much water or fertilizer.
Aloe humilis flower
The beautiful red-orange flowers of Aloe humilis grow on inflorescence stalks in the early spring and persist through the summer and into the winter. The blossoms’ many hues add to the plant’s allure.
Aloe humilis is a tiny, vividly colored succulent that is also suckering, low-growing, and highly prized for consistently producing lovely blossoms from March to April. The orange and yellow blooms give a splash of brightness to any indoor or outdoor area. They make lovely additions to bouquets and centerpieces as well. Depending on the variety, the stunning blooms bloom on spikes that may grow up to 20 inches tall.
Aloe humilis is a fantastic plant for beginners since it’s simple to cultivate and take care of. This plant enjoys bright, all-day light but will also accept afternoon partial shade to protect it from the strongest sun. Moreover, it can withstand dryness and needs soil that drains well, making it perfect for container gardens or gardens in arid climates.
Plant Aloe humilis in well-draining soil, give it regular, thorough waterings, and let the soil completely dry in between applications. A slow-release fertilizer may also be applied to the plant in the spring. This plant will generate offsets or “pups” that may be pulled out and planted elsewhere to create new plants, making propagation simple.
Aloe humilis vs Aloe vera
Aloe humilis and Aloe vera are common aloe species with distinct advantages. Five differences between Aloe humilis and Aloe vera:
Aloe vera and humilis have different leaves. Aloe vera has longer, narrower rosette-shaped leaves, whereas Aloe humilis has triangular leaves with white speckles.
Aloe vera is Xanthorrhoeaceae, whereas Aloe humilis is Asphodelaceae. Both families contain succulents.
Aloe vera is from the Arabian Peninsula, whereas Aloe humilis originates from the Cape area of South Africa. Aloe vera is grown widely, while Aloe humilis is rare.
Benefits: Aloe humilis and Aloe vera are therapeutic, however their uses vary. Aloe vera gel soothes burns, wounds, and skin irritations, while Aloe humilis gel soothes sunburns. Aloe vera juice is consumed for digestive health, but Aloe humilis is not.
Plant shape varies. Aloe vera is larger and forms a more upright rosette with longer leaves that curve downward, while Aloe humilis is a low-growing plant that forms dense clusters of stemless or very short-stemmed rosettes.
Aloe humilis and Aloe vera are both aloes, but their leaves, family, origin, benefits, and shape differ. Gardeners and natural medicine enthusiasts may benefit from either plant, depending on their requirements and preferences.
Aloe Humilis Uses and Diseases
Aloe humilis, sometimes known as spider aloe, is a Karoo succulent shrub. This succulent grows quickly and requires minimal care. Containers and rock gardens benefit from spider aloe’s thick, meaty or waxy leaves. It blooms from October to early summer with racemes of yellow or orange flowers.
Offsets are the most popular means to propagate spider aloe, however seedlings can also be used. Seed-grown Aloe humilis may not be true to type. Choose healthy offsets from a parent plant you like for optimal results.
Aloe humilis is beautiful and useful! When used topically to small burns, rashes, or insect bites, the leaves’ gel-like material heals, and drinking its extract can help stomach disorders including indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The extract can nourish skin with amino acids, minerals, and Vitamins C & A as a shampoo or face wash.
Spider aloes are resilient plants that need minimal care, but drought-like weather or insufficient irrigation during warmer months can pose issues. Spider aloes are also susceptible to root and crown rot due to excessive moisture at their roots, so it’s crucial to give them proper air circulation and monitor soil wetness regularly. When fertilizing Aloe humilis, use low doses of vitamins B9 and A, which enhance development if not abused!
Aloe humilis growth and toxicity
Aloe humilis grows slowly to around 8 inches (20 cm) tall and 16 inches (40 cm) wide (40 cm). Late winter and spring flower spikes grow over its succulent rosettes.
Non-toxic aloe humilis. Aloe humilis is safe for pets and children, unlike other aloes. Avoid touching the gel in the leaves since direct contact with the sap can irritate certain people.
When does hedgehog aloe bloom
According to many websites, such as The Gardener Magazine and Plant Addicts, the hedgehog aloe blooms throughout the later half of the autumn and early winter. Flower spikes often develop between the leaves and grow to a height of around 50 cm. The blooms are tubular, nectar-rich blossoms that are either dark orange or pink. Despite the plant’s small size, the stunning flowers, which grow on inflorescence stalks, are very large. The gorgeous, gigantic, vibrant orange flowers make a wonderful complement to any yard or interior space.
Hedgehog aloe is fairly easy to find and little maintenance. Like other succulents, they thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. They can withstand partial shade, making them suitable for interior environments with artificial lighting. Keep in mind not to overwater hedgehog aloe since it can withstand drought and only needs a little water. It is also suggested to use a cactus or succulent fertilizer all during the growth season to promote maximum development.
Hedgehog Aloe hardiness
Hedgehog Aloe is a hardy plant, but it’s crucial to remember that it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11. As Hedgehog Aloe cannot live below 10°C/55°F, it should not be grown in regions with very low temperatures. As a result, it’s essential to make sure this plant is cultivated in a position that offers sufficient warmth and protection from frost.
Hedgehog Aloe likes a dry to moderate amount of moisture when it comes to hydration needs. While it is best to maintain the soil moist throughout the summer, this plant is very drought-tolerant like any other succulent. Hedgehog Aloe needs a soil that drains properly and does not retain water for an extended period of time since this might cause root rot.
Hedgehog Aloe needs full sun, which is defined as receiving at least six hours of direct sunshine each day, to flourish at its best. This will guarantee that the plant gets the proper amount of light for photosynthesis and general health. Hedgehog Aloe may be fed every six to eight weeks using a fertilizer for cacti and succulents that has been specially formulated for them.
Aloe humilis vs aloe vera
The succulent plant species Aloe humilis and Aloe vera are distinct from one another. Aloe humilis, sometimes referred to as Spider Aloe, is a perennial evergreen succulent plant in the Asphodelaceae family. It grows naturally on rocky terrain and on steep slopes in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Aloe vera, on the other hand, is a popular succulent plant from the same family and is indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula.
Aloe humilis is a little succulent with dense rosettes of stemless or very short-stemmed pale blue-green leaves that are slightly curled and have spiky cream-colored margins. Aloe vera’s leaves are normally green or gray-green in color with little white dots on the surface. They are also bigger and wider than Aloe humilis’ leaves.
Aloe vera is more often cultivated as a houseplant or in gardens, while Aloe humilis is more frequently cultivated as an accent plant or in containers. The gel found within aloe vera’s leaves is often used in skin care products and as a natural cure for a number of maladies. Aloe vera is also well recognized for its therapeutic capabilities. Aloe humilis, on the other hand, is prized for its decorative virtues but is less widely recognized for its therapeutic ones.
Aloe vera and Aloe humilis are both low-maintenance plants that need little attention. They like full sun to moderate shade and soil that drains well. Unlike Aloe vera, which can survive in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11, Aloe humilis can survive in zones 9a to 11b. Both plants are drought-tolerant and appreciate being maintained on the dry side when it comes to water needs. It’s crucial to allow the soil to dry out between waterings since overwatering may result in root rot and other issues.
Final Words
It is such a good looking and low maintenance plant that can grow easily in any house. I hope you find all the information needed for “”. Also if you would like to check out more posts from my website.
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