Aloe Capitata Var. Quartziticola: Growing And Care Guide

Aloe capitata var. quartziticola is a popular houseplant, but many wonder how to grow a healthy and beautiful specimen.

This guide will help readers learn the steps to care for this plant to ensure that they have a beautiful and well-kept Aloe capitata var. quartziticola at all times.

About Aloe capitata var. quartziticola

Aloe capitata var. quartziticola is a rosette-forming succulent in typical Aloe fashion. It is native to Madagascar and is known for its incredible blooms and distinctive leaves.

Its leaves are a light blue-grey in the shade, but they turn reddish-purple the more they are exposed to direct sunlight. They are lined with sharp red teeth around the edges, adding character.

The bright yellow blooms appear in round clusters atop flower stalks.

Botanical Name	Aloe capitata var. quartziticola
Family	Asphodelaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Origin	Madagascar
Maintenance	Low
Height	2-3 feet
Width	2-3 feet
Light	Full sun, Light shade
Bloom season	Spring, Summer
Bloom color	Yellow, Orange
Water needs	Low
Soil	Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
Tolerant	Deer, Drought
Toxicity	non-toxic
Hardiness (USDA)	9-12

Aloe capitata var. quartziticola Care

Aloe capitata var. quartziticola is a low-maintenance plant that rarely needs much care. It can be kept outdoors year-round or indoors in a sunny window during winter.

Light

Aloe capitata var. quartziticola likes bright, indirect light. It will do well in a south-facing window or on a patio in partial shade. It will also grow in direct sunlight, but the leaves’ color might be affected.

Soil

This Aloe grows well in soil that is well-draining but not too dry. A mix of potting soil and sand will work nicely.

Water

This is a drought-tolerant plant. It doesn’t need much water to stay healthy. Water it well after dry spells and only water it when the soil is completely dry. If the plant starts to look droopy, more water is needed.

Temperature and Humidity

Aloe capitata var. quartziticola is a tropical plant that likes warm temperatures. Therefore, it will do well in temperatures of about 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If kept dry, the plant can handle brief winter chills without issue.

Keep humidity levels between 40% and 60%. The Aloe will show signs of stress if the humidity exceeds 60%.

Fertilizer

Aloe capitata var. quartziticola is a hardy plant that doesn’t need much fertilizer. However, you can occasionally use an all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer or compost to keep the soil topped up on nutrients.

Pruning

Like most Aloe, this plant rarely needs pruning, but you can trim off the tips of its leaves if they become damaged or diseased. You should also remove any brown leaves that appear on the stem when you’re watering it.

Potting and Repotting Aloe capitata var. quartziticola

This Aloe is a slow-growing plant that doesn’t need to be repotted often. If you notice the roots are filling your container, you can move them into a larger pot. It doesn’t have any specific requirements for soil type or pH level beyond good drainage.

Prepare

How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

1. Remove the plant from the pot.
2. Clean off any soil clinging to the roots with a damp cloth or sponge, using caution to avoid disturbing or damaging them too much.
3. Cut away any dead or damaged roots with sharp pruning shears, taking care not to remove healthy roots.
4. Fill the new pot with the preselected well-draining potting soil.
5. Place the Aloe in its new container at least an inch below where the rim meets. Pack soil around the roots, making sure to remove any air pockets.
6. Water thoroughly when finished.

Propagating Aloe capitata var. quartziticola by Seeds (Step-by-Step)

Aloe capitata var. quartziticola seeds are easy to germinate and grow, requiring only a few steps to achieve success.

1. Take the seed pod and remove it from its protective covering.
2. Remove any remaining flesh from the inside with a sharp knife or spoon, not damaging the seed within.
3. Place the seeds on top of damp paper towels in an area where they will be exposed to lots of light but no direct sunlight.
4. Keep them warm at all times using an incubator set between 85°F (29°C) and 95°F (35°C).
5. After about three weeks, you should begin to see small roots emerging from the seeds.
6. Once this happens, replant them in a pot of well-draining soil and treat them as seedlings.

Blooms

The flowers appear on mid-sized stalks during mid-winter; they form orange buds that turn into bright yellow tubular flowers once they open up fully. The flowers form an informal spherical cluster that’s incredibly striking when in full bloom.

Toxicity

Aloe capitata var. quartziticola has no toxic effects reported. However, it’s best to keep children and pets away from the plant due to its sharp leaves.

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 small insects that look like cotton balls on the plant. Mealybugs feed on sap and cause damage by sucking juices from your aloe plants’ leaves, stems, and roots. If not treated right away, they can destroy your plants within a few weeks!

Scale Insects

Scale insects are another common issue for aloe plants. They’re small and round, with a hard shell covering their bodies. There are different scale insects, but all of them are treated the same way: with a dose of rubbing alcohol.

Aphids

Aphids are small insects that look like tiny black or greenish-colored dots. You’ll often see them on the leaves of your aloe plants, feeding on sap and causing damage. Use neem oil to be rid of them.

Common Problems

Aloe Capitata Var. Quartziticola – Best Care Tips (Video)

FAQ