The Red Aloe is a beautiful succulent that can be grown and cared for in many different ways.
This guide will show you how to give your Aloe cameronii the care it needs to survive, thrive, and stay healthy while growing beautifully.
in this article:
About Aloe cameronii
Aloe cameronii, or Red aloe, is a medium-sized, evergreen succulent plant native to Africa.
Among aloes, this one stands out due to the eye-catching coloration of its leaves. Red aloe leaves have a fleshy, undulating structure that displays different colors depending on how much sun and water the plant is getting.
Related Article: An overview of different types of Aloes
From burnished copper to glowing green to a popping red, its leaves shift colors frequently and with great fanfare.
If you’re looking for a succulent with a bit of pizzaz that doesn’t demand much in terms of care, Aloe cameronii is an excellent choice!
| Botanical Name | Aloe cameronii |
| Common Name | Red Aloe |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | Africa |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Width | 2-4 feet |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom season | Spring, Winter |
| Bloom color | Red, Orange |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Deer, Drought |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 9-12 |
Aloe cameronii Care
Red aloe plants are drought-tolerant and do not require much water or fertilizer. They also make excellent indoor houseplants if you want to keep them small and outdoor xeriscapes.
Light
Aloe cameronii will thrive in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The shade of the leaves is heavily dependent on the light, so experiment with it until you find the colors most pleasing to the eye.
Don’t worry about stressing the plant; it can handle it.
Soil
Aloe cameronii does not need any soil amendments. The plant is very forgiving in terms of growing conditions and will do well in whatever type of soil you have available.
There is only one requirement; the soil needs to be well-draining.
Water
The Red Aloe does not need a lot of water. The plant will thrive with a deep watering once per week in the summertime but can go two weeks without any water if necessary.
The key to keeping your Aloe happy is to only water when the soil dries out completely.
Temperature and Humidity
The Red Aloe is a tropical plant, meaning it does best when temperatures are between 55 and 85 degrees.
The plant will survive in cooler areas but will not thrive. Therefore, keeping your Aloe out of drafts or cold breezes is essential as these can be detrimental to your plant’s health.
Fertilizer
You don’t need to fertilize your Aloe cameronii to keep it healthy, but it can be beneficial to promote faster growth. Use balanced liquid fertilizer for the best results.
Just remember not to overfeed your plant, as this can lead to stunted growth and disease.
Pruning
Pruning is not needed by any means, but it can help to keep your plant looking its best. The most common method of pruning is removing dead leaves and stems.
Do this by cutting off the dead part at the base of the plant with a sharp pair of scissors.
Potting and Repotting Aloe cameronii
Aloe cameronii are fairly low-maintenance plants that can be repotted when the soil becomes compacted or if you need to move it.
You can repot your Aloe into a larger pot or use a container with more drainage holes.
It’s important not to overwater your Aloe after repotting because this can lead to root rot.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the Aloe from its pot. Try not to disturb any roots that have grown outside of the pot.
- Toss out the old soil and cut away dead roots (if needed).
- Fill the new container with the preselected potting soil.
- Place the plant into the prepared container making sure it’s stable and won’t tip over easily.
- Water thoroughly after a week’s grace period to help the plant settle in.
Propagating Aloe cameronii by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)
Aloe cameronii is a fairly easy succulent to propagate. You can do so by cuttings, offsets, or even by seeds. Propagation by cuttings is the easiest, which is why this is the recommended method.
To propagate by cuttings:
- Choose healthy, well-established plants with lots of leaves.
- Remove a healthy leaf from the plant by cutting it off at its base.
- Leave the cut end exposed to air for a few days so it can dry out (this prevents rot).
- Plant in a container filled with soil that drains well and let sit in partial shade until new roots start forming.
Blooms
Flowers usually appear on Aloe cameronii in late fall or early winter. These are small, colorful blooms that range from red to orange. They are borne on stalks that peek above the foliage when the blooming season rolls around.
Toxicity
Aloe cameronii is non toxic. In fact, it is often used as a topical treatment for minor skin irritations and burns.
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 can sometimes be found on an Aloe cameronii. These pests are white and cottony-looking and can be found on the underside of leaves. If you notice these pests on your aloe, it is best to remove them with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Scale Insects
These pests look like tiny, hard bumps on leaves and stems. Scales vary in color and size depending on the type of scale insect you have. If you notice these pests on your plant, it is best to remove them with warm water and a soft brush.
Aphids
Aphids are small, green, or black insects that can be found in crevices. They suck sap from plants and will cause them to drop their leaves prematurely. Use natural insecticides to avoid damaging the plant.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
