Aloinopsis

Family. Aizoaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description.  Aloinopsis is a very popular perennial rosette succulent with thick, erect, lanceolate or diamond-shaped leaves, dark blue-green, up to 2 cm long, finely warted, which form low, succulent rosettes. The flowers are yellow or bronze, with a central dark line on each petal, small, but quite large compared to the small leaves - up to 2.5 cm in diameter, similar to daisies. The buds open in the late afternoon or early evening. Flowering occurs in spring, only with sufficient light; if the plant is kept in partial shade, the flowers will not open completely. These plants have a magnificent, knotty root system, which in mature plants forms a large caudex.

Height. Up to 5 cm tall.

Aloinopsis - home care

Temperature conditions

Withstands slight frost down to -5°C if stored in a dry place, otherwise room temperature is fine.

Lighting

Prefers brightly lit window sills, but requires protection from excessive heat and sun in summer. Aloinopsis leaves turn red from excessive light. 

Care

This succulent has a large taproot and is therefore very drought-resistant. Mature plants should be planted with the roots raised above the ground - then the large gray-brown caudex of the plant will be visible to the eye. Aloinopsis goes dormant in winter, so try to limit watering; do not be surprised if it does not grow at this time. Timely remove old leaves and dead drooping flowers. If the bush becomes untidy with age, it can be easily separated from the cuttings and again get a beautiful compact shape.

Substrate

It tolerates a wide range of soils and habitats, but prefers a very porous mixture that is permeable to air and water. You can grow a bush in a 6-10 cm diameter pot for many years and have perfectly healthy plants.

Feeding

Only once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ the recommended dose.

Purpose

Ideal for a bright window sill, its modest size allows you to assemble an impressive collection of these plants in a limited space.

Flowering time

Spring. 

Air humidity

Low humidity is sometimes simply necessary; it will feel great without spraying. 

Soil moisture

Water moderately. Keep almost dry during the winter months, watering only when the soil is completely dry. Wet soil quickly leads to root rot, especially during the cold winter months. 

Transfer

Older plants will need a deeper pot and good drainage. Can be kept for many years in a 7 x 7 cm pot; mature specimens only need to be repotted every 2-3 years.

Reproduction

It is possible to grow aloinopsis from seeds - sowing is carried out at 21 ºC in early spring. Stem or leaf cuttings in late spring or early summer are rooted in equal parts of peat and sand in partial shade. 

Pests and diseases

Wet soil quickly leads to root and stem rot. Prone to attack by spider mites and mealybugs. 

Aloinopsis Luckhoffii

         The plant has short light thorns on the upper surface of the leaves, often along the ribs. When grown in the sun, the surface of the leaves becomes pinkish or brown.