Aloe broomii is one of the most popular aloe plants you can find in gardens all over the world. The Snake Aloe is one of the easiest to care for, and with proper maintenance, it lasts for years.
Learn how to grow this gorgeous Aloe plant in your home and keep it healthy for as long as possible.
in this article:
About Aloe broomii
The Aloe broomii, also known as the Snake Aloe and Mountain Aloe, is a fast-growing aloe native to South Africa. It is a rosette-forming succulent with light green leaves that sometimes tinge red in sunlight, and large, flat leaves with red teeth along the margins.
The Snake Aloe is a very hardy plant that can survive in frost conditions, making it well-suited for various situations. It is an excellent choice for people living in areas with extreme weather conditions. It is perfect for growing in containers or planters on your patio or balcony, where you can enjoy it year-round.
Related Article: Learn about different types of Aloe succulents and common varieties
| Botanical Name | Aloe broomii |
| Common Name | Snake Aloe, Mountain Aloe |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 1-3 feet |
| Width | 1-3 feet |
| Light | Full sun, Light shade |
| Bloom season | Spring, Summer |
| Bloom color | Yellow, White |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Deer, Drought |
| Toxicity | non-toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 9-11 |
Aloe broomii Care
The Snake Aloe is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little care. It can be easily grown indoors or outdoors and makes an attractive addition to any space.
Light
The Snake Aloe requires bright sunlight, so it’s best to place it in a location with at least some direct sunlight each day. If you are growing indoors, ensure that the Aloe is placed near a window with plenty of natural light.
Soil
Aloe broomii prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of potting soil and sand makes a good base while adding perlite or pumice will help improve drainage.
Water
Aloe broomii is a drought-tolerant plant that requires very little water. In fact, overwatering this Aloe can be harmful to the health of the plant.
You should only water your Snake Aloe when its soil has completely dried out. Once it has been watered, allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Temperature and Humidity
The Snake Aloe is a tropical plant that likes warm temperatures. Therefore, it will do best if it can stay above 55°F (13°C) year-round.
However, it is frost resistant when it needs to be, allowing for some leeway in the care routine.
Average room humidity (around 50%) is preferred, but it can also handle dry conditions adequately.
Fertilizer
The Snake Aloe likes to be fertilized only once a month. Use an organic fertilizer with a balanced formula like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 and dilute it by half for the best results.
Pruning
The Snake Aloe will grow best if left to grow freely and not pruned, but you can trim it back as needed. If you decide to prune, wait until after the plant has bloomed for the season. This is because it requires all of its energy for that process.
Potting and Repotting Aloe broomii
Aloe broomii is a relatively easy plant to pot and repot. When it outgrows its current container, simply remove it from the old pot and place it in a new one with fresh soil. This process is easy and straightforward as long as you use an organic soil mix.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the Aloe broomii from its current pot. Loosen the soil around the plant to easily remove it from its container.
- Then, carefully lift up the plant by holding onto its base and removing it from your pot with a pair of gloves.
- Carefully remove dirt or debris from the plant’s roots using a trowel.
- Place the new soil in your new pot, then place your plant.
- Add more potting soil to the pot Aloe broomii until it sits comfortably in its new container.
Propagating Aloe broomii by Seeds (Step-by-Step)
Seeds are the most efficient method of propagation for the Snake Aloe succulents. Follow these steps to germinate and grow Aloe broomii from seeds successfully:
- Soak your seeds overnight in water.
- Then, place them on top of a moist paper towel.
- Place this in a well-lit area with temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (16-21 degrees Celsius).
- Wait for seeds to sprout, which should take about two weeks.
Blooms
The flowers and buds are hidden underneath large white bracts in the blooming season. These bracts set this Aloe apart from all the others and help it stand out from all the rest. The blooms appear in spring.
Toxicity
Aloe broomii has no toxic effects reported. However, some people can be allergic to Aloe plants in general.
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 are common pests in gardens. These little bugs suck the sap from leaves, and their bodies are covered in white wax. This makes them very easy to spot on your plant. If you notice any mealybugs on your Aloe broomii, use insecticidal soap to take care of them.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are another common garden pest. They look like little bumps or blisters on the plant and suck sap from the leaves. You can treat these with insecticidal soap as well.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny little bugs that suck the sap from leaves. They can be green, black, or red in color and are very easy to spot. If you notice any aphids on your Aloe broomii, use rubbing alcohol to deal with these pests.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
