Mountain Aloe

Water moderately throughout the growing season, wait until the soil has dried out slightly before each watering. As a general rule water every 1-2 weeks, but this may vary depending on the climate and season. During the fall and winter, when the plant is resting, the watering should be drastically reduced. Make sure never to leave the soil too wet or soggy for too long, as this may cause root rot and bacterial infections. Do always make sure to keep the soil slightly moist.

The Mountain Aloe loves light and does best in full sun, ideally with at least a few hours of direct sun every day. It can also tolerate partial sun or shade, although it will not bloom as much as it would in full sun. Avoid direct afternoon sun in hot climates, as it may cause sunburn to the leaves. Leaves may also get a silverish tinge if there is not enough light.

The Mountain Aloe can tolerate temperatures from 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1° C) to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30°C). In very cold temperatures the plant will suffer some damage, though it will recover in the spring with enough light and warmth. Overall, it prefers temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (12 - 24 °C).

The Mountain Aloe needs a low to moderate amount of humidity to thrive. The ideal range is between 20 and 40%, but it is not extremely strict and it can tolerate periods of higher or lower humidity. In dry summer months and when it is indoors, it is a good idea to mist the leaves once in a while with a water sprayer.

This plant is a very adaptable species and can tolerate many soils, but it prefers well-draining and nutrient-rich soils. A good mix could be a combination of regular potting soil with vermiculite, perlite or pumice. A more tailored mix could also contain compost, leaf mold and sand to provide the proper balance.

The Mountain Aloe needs to be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season, using a good quality balanced fertilizer that works for succulent plants. During the winter, the frequency should be reduced to once a month. Liquid fertilizers are the most common and they should be diluted for half the recommended amount when mixing it in with the irrigation water.

The Mountain Aloe is generally very resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be attacked by spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. If the plant is located outside, it can be also affected by snails and slugs. If any of these pests are spotted, it is recommended to isolate the plant from the rest of the collection, and to spray it with specific insecticide and then clean it with a damp cloth. Repeat the process once a week for three weeks to make sure it is completely pest free.

Repotting only needs to be done every 2-3 years, or when the plant has outgrown the current pot. Use a pot with some drainage holes and make sure to keep the crown of the plant above the soil. Regularly check the roots and adjust if needed, as the Mountain Aloe is a very robust variety and can tolerate changes.

Pruning this plant is not necessary, however, if it is desired to keep it smaller pruning can be done in early spring, cutting only the dead and undesired branches. Cutting too much may cause the plant to not bloom as expected during the flowering season.

Mulching around the Mountain Aloe helps keep the moisture in the soil and prevents the soil from getting too wet as well as too dry. A good mix of mulch is one with a good combination of organic material such as wood chips, pine needles or bark chips, and rocks for drainage.

The Mountain Aloe can be propagated from its offsets, which can be carefully removed from its base. A sterile sharp knife should be used, and the cuts should be treated with a rooting or fungicide to avoid infections. The offsets should be planted in a well-draining medium in a pot with drainage holes. Make sure the offsets are spaced far enough from each other to avoid overcrowding of the pot.

Mountain Aloe does not usually need support, however if it grows in an exposed area it might need some stakes and twine around it to protect it from strong winds.

This plant doesn’t need any specific resting period, however, during the winter it will not need as much water and the fertilizer program should also be suspended at this time. Make sure the temperatures also don’t drop below 30°F (-1°C).

The Mountain Aloe is toxic when eaten and may cause skin irritation, so it should be kept away from pets and small kids.