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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Aloe ‘Blue Elf’: Growing and Care Guide

    Aloe ‘Blue Elf’: Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonSeptember 28, 2022
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    Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for succulent plant, but it requires careful attention to detail to keep it thriving.

    Here we will discuss what you need to do to grow Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ at home and the proper steps in caring for and maintaining the plant so that it continues to be healthy for years to come.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems
    Blue Elf Aloe In Bloom
    Blue Elf Aloe in bloom (“Blue Elf Aloe” by Monkeystyle3000 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    About Aloe ‘Blue Elf’

    Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ is a dwarf, succulent plant that’s an excellent choice for beginners. It has beautiful blue-green leaves edged with sharp teeth along the margins. The succulent leaves form a small rosette, about 18 inches tall and about 24 inches wide.

    The plant has a clumping habit and can serve as a ground cover if planted appropriately.

    The Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ blooms from winter to early spring, producing red and orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. The flowers last for a long time, adding interest and drama to the garden.

    Related Article: Learn about different types of Aloe succulents and common varieties

    Botanical NameAloe ‘Blue Elf’
    Common NameAloe Blue Elf
    FamilyAsphodelaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginGarden Origin
    MaintenanceLow
    Height1-2 feet
    Width1-2 feet
    LightFull sun, Partial shade
    Bloom seasonWinter, Spring
    Bloom colorOrange, Red
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought, Salt
    ToxicityNon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)9-11

    Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ Care

    The Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ is an easy-care succulent that thrives on neglect and can survive in low light conditions. It makes an excellent indoor plant or addition to any patio container garden.

    Light

    The Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ requires bright, indirect light. It will tolerate low light conditions but will not flower as prolifically or produce as much growth.

    Soil

    The Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ requires well-drained soil. It will not tolerate standing water.

    Adding inorganic materials like coarse sand or perlite will help improve the drainage of your soil.

    Water

    It requires little water once established, but it will benefit from a thorough watering every couple of weeks in summer.

    In winter, when the Aloe goes dormant and stops producing new leaves, only water when the soil is bone dry. This gives the plant a good soaking and replenishes its reserves.

    Temperature and Humidity

    This Aloe prefers warm temperatures but will tolerate a wide range of conditions. Temperatures around 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for most Aloes, including the Blue Elf Aloe.

    This Aloe can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9 through 11 and indoors in cooler climates.

    Fertilizer

    Aloes don’t need much feed and should be fertilized only during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

    Slow-release fertilizers are best, so they don’t shock the plant’s system.

    Aloe 'Blue Elf' Cheat Sheet
    Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ cheat sheet (“Blue Elf Aloe” by reader of the pack is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.)

    Pruning

    You’ll only need to prune spent flower stalks after they’re done flowering. You might also need to prune away the dead or dying leaves that cause stress to the plant but those are rare.

    If left to their own devices, the Aloe Blue Elf plants will form a tight clump of multiple rosettes. You might want to remove the tertiary rosettes with sharp pruning shears to keep the plant looking its best.

    Hint: This is also an excellent chance to propagate using the secondary rosettes!

    Potting and Repotting Aloe ‘Blue Elf’

    The Blue Elf Aloe should be repotted every two years or when its roots begin to peep through the drainage holes in the bottom of its pot.

    It’s best to repot the Aloe into a larger pot than its current one.

    Try to only repot during the spring or summer, as that’s when the plant is undergoing its growth phase and recovers quickly.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. The best type of pot is a plastic one with holes in the bottom for drainage. Clay and terracotta pots work as well.
    • Prepare the soil. The soil should be a mix of half potting soil and half sand or perlite. This will allow for good drainage while providing plenty of nutrients for your plant to grow in.
    • Choose the spot. Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal.
    • Gather the tools. Gardening gloves, a trowel, and a container for planting.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from its old pot. Gently tease it out, taking care not to damage any roots.
    2. Separate the plant’s roots with your hands and remove any debris.
    3. Place the plant into its new pot, so it sits at the same depth as it did in its old pot.
    4. Fill in around the base of your plant with soil until it’s level with the top of its leaves.
    5. Water well to settle the soil and drain it for about 30 minutes before placing it back outside.

    Related: A Guide to Care for Candelabra Aloe (Aloe Arborescens)

    Propagating Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ by Division (Step-by-Step)

    The Blue Elf Aloe has a clumping habit and forms multiple rosettes of succulent leaves along with the main rosette. Therefore, it is extremely easy to propagate using these rosettes.

    1. Choose a rosette that has formed on the mother plant. This cutting can be any size as long as it is healthy and not damaged in any way.
    2. Remove this rosette from the mother plant by gently twisting it free with your fingers or a small pair of clippers.
    3. Set aside the rosette and allow it to dry for several hours or overnight. This will help prevent any infection from starting on the leaves of your new plant.
    4. Plant your rosette in a pot with very well-draining soil. It is best to use a cactus and succulent soil mix or a similar product.
    5. Allow it to sit in a bright location for several weeks until new growth appears.
    Aloe 'Blue Elf' Flowers
    Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ flowers (“File:Aloe Blue Elf closeup.jpg” by Stan Shebs is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.)

    Blooms

    The Blue Elf Aloe blooms with orange-red tubular flowers on a small flowering spike from early spring to early winter. The flowers are long-lasting and add interest to the plant by introducing new colors to the green undertone. Hummingbirds are also attracted to the nectar within.

    Toxicity

    Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ is considered non-toxic. It is not known to be harmful to humans or pets.

    NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

    Common Pests

    Mealybugs

    Mealybugs often attack aloe plants. If you notice white cottony filaments, these are a sign of these pests. Treat with neem oil or horticultural oil to be rid of the problem.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are another common pests that attack aloe plants. These pests look like small, indistinct bumps on the plant and may have a distinct color or pattern. You can treat these with neem oil or horticultural oil as well.

    Aphids

    Aphids are another common pest that attacks aloe plants. These tiny insects appear as small, soft-bodied bugs that can be green, yellow, or black. They suck the sap from the Aloe leaves and cause irreparable damage. You’ll notice a sticky substance on your plant if this occurs.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: Aloe plants need to have their soil dry out between waterings. If the soil stays too moist, it can cause root rot or fungal growth that will kill your plant. The best way to tell if your Blue Elf Aloe is getting enough water is by feeling the soil. If it’s dry and parched, it needs water.
    • Sunburn: This is a common issue with blue elf aloe plants, especially those kept indoors. The plant’s leaves will turn brown and crispy if exposed to too much sun. You can help prevent this by relocating your aloe plants to a shadier area of the house or adding shade cloth to their pots.
    • Overfertilization: If you overfeed your aloe plant, it will begin to grow new leaves that are smaller and less healthy looking than the older ones. The plant may also become more prone to diseases.

    FAQ

    Blue elf aloe plants are easy to care for as long as you remember to water them when dry and keep them out of intense, direct sunlight.

    The best way to tell if your blue elf aloe plant needs water is to feel the soil. If it feels completely dry, then it’s time for watering. You should also check on your Aloe every week or two to ensure there’s no moisture in its potting mix—if there is, remove some of it so that the plant doesn’t become overwatered.

    No, coffee grounds are not good for Aloe’ Blue Elf.’ They turn the soil more acidic than it needs to be, harming your succulent’s growth.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
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    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

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