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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Aloe Dorotheae (Sunset Aloe): Growing And Care Guide

    Aloe Dorotheae (Sunset Aloe): Growing And Care Guide

    By Milo MasonNovember 23, 2022
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    Interested in growing your own Aloe dorotheae but unsure what steps to take to keep the plant healthy?

    Aloe Dorotheae In A Garden
    Aloe dorotheae in a garden (“200313 073 SD Botanic Gdn – African Garden, Aloe dorotheae Sunset Aloe (both red and green-leaved forms), Senecio mandraliscae Blue Chalk Sticks, Encephalartos ituriensis, Encephalartos manikensis” by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    Follow this guide to learn how to grow and care for an aloe plant to enjoy its beauty year-round.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Aloe dorotheae

    Aloe dorotheae, or Sunset Aloe, is a succulent plant native to Tanzania. It grows in rosettes that can reach up to two feet in diameter, and its leaves are green with white spots but blush bright red in full sun. The flowers are greenish-yellow tubular flowers that appear above the foliage in winter.

    The Sunset Aloe is commonly used as an ornamental plant because it has such beautiful foliage and flowers. It’s an excellent option for those who want to grow an aloe plant but don’t have much space—this Aloe shrinks quite a bit when grown indoors (as compared to outdoors), making it perfect for small spaces!

    Related Article: Different types of Aloe succulents and common varieties

    Botanical NameAloe dorotheae
    Common NameSunset Aloe
    FamilyAsphodelaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginTanzania
    MaintenanceLow
    Height0-1 feet
    Width1-2 feet
    LightFull sun, Partial sun
    Bloom seasonWinter
    Bloom colorGreenish-Yellow
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought
    Toxicitynon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)10-11

    Aloe dorotheae Care

    The Sunset Aloe is generally easy to care for, but there are a few things you should know.

    Light

    Aloe dorotheae thrives in full sun but can also be grown in partial shade. It is not picky about the intensity as long as it gets to grow in a relatively sunny area.

    Soil

    The Sunset Aloe is not picky about the type of soil it grows in, but it needs well-drained soil that doesn’t hold moisture to grow properly.

    Water

    Aloe dorotheae is not a succulent that needs to be watered very often. It can survive long droughts, but the leaves will slowly shrivel up if it doesn’t get enough water. So if you want a healthy plant, water it at least once every week or two.

    However, avoid overwatering to be safe from root rot.

    Temperature and Humidity

    The Sunset Aloe is a succulent that can tolerate some cold, but it doesn’t like to be kept below 50ºF (10ºC). Instead, it prefers temperatures between 55ºF and 85ºF with moderate humidity.

    Bring your Aloe inside during the winter months in climates where the temperature drops below freezing.

    Fertilizer

    Aloe dorotheae doesn’t need much fertilizer and should only be fertilized once every couple of months during the growing season. Use a water-soluble balanced fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or similar.

    Aloe Dorotheae Cheat Sheet
    Aloe dorotheae cheat sheet (“aloe dorotheae” by MeganEHansen is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

    Pruning

    You can prune the Sunset Aloe at any time of year. The best time to do this is in late spring or early summer when new leaves are forming. Use sharp, clean scissors, and be sure not to leave any stubs because these will rot quickly and could spread disease.

    Potting and Repotting Aloe dorotheae

    Aloe dorotheae does not like to be repotted very often. It is best to wait until after a few years of growth before potting up your plant. Use a well-draining soil mix and a large pot.

    Pick sometime in spring to undertake this process.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. A large terracotta pot will do nicely.
    • Prepare the soil. A well-draining soil mix is best. Use a ratio of 50% coarse sand, 25% organic matter (like compost), and 25% potting soil.
    • Choose the spot. The pot should be in a well-lit spot protected from wind and drafts.
    • Gather the tools. You’ll need a trowel, scissors, and a pair of gloves.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from its current pot. Use your trowel to remove any soil from around the roots.
    2. Fill in the new pot with the right potting mix.
    3. Place the Aloe in its new container and fill the empty space with more potting mix.
    4. Water lightly after a week to give the plant time to settle in.

    Propagating Aloe dorotheae by Offsets (Step-by-Step)

    Aloe dorotheae can be propagated by seeds and offsets. Seeds take longer and have a lesser chance of success. Therefore it is recommended to propagate by offsets.

    1. Wait until the plant has produced an offset, usually after the first year.
    2.  Remove the offset from its mother plant by carefully cutting it away with a sharp knife.
    3. Allow the cut end of the offset some time to heal and callus over (one or two weeks).
    4.  Place the offset in a new pot filled with fresh well-draining soil and water well.
    Aloe Dorotheae Leaves
    Aloe dorotheae leaves (“Aloe dorotheae” by MeganEHansen is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

    Blooms

    Winter blooming, the Aloe dorotheae features bright yellow and green tubular flowers borne on a flowering stalk. These mid-sized stalks rise above the foliage around mid-October in preparation for the blooms ahead.

    Related: A Complete Guide to Aloe hereroensis Care

    Toxicity

    Aloe dorotheae is non-toxic. It will not harm children 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 are the nemesis of many aloe plants. They are small, white, oval-shaped, cottony insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of plants. These pests are easily killed by spraying with an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are small, brown, or black, immobile bugs that cluster on the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from the plants and can severely weaken them if left untreated. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution to kill off these pests.

    Aphids

    These small green or red bugs are common on aloe plants. They secrete honeydew that can attract ants and sooty mold fungus growths. If your plant is getting eaten by ants and covered in sooty mold, aphids are the most likely culprits.

    AVOID

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

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: If overwatered, succulent roots cannot absorb nutrients fast enough when they are submerged in water for too long. As a result, root rot sets in and devours the plant inside out.
    • Overfertilization: Fertilizers can be good or bad. Too much fertilizer can cause your Aloe to grow so fast that it cannot support itself and topples over. This is especially common in succulents and cacti, which are naturally slow-growing plants.
    • Browning Leaves: Browning leaves are usually the result of overwatering, but they can also be caused by exposure to direct sunlight or cold temperatures. If you notice your plant’s leaves turning brown, you should immediately repot it in fresh soil and water sparingly.

    Easy Guide to Growing : Aloe dorotheae (Sunset Aloe) (Video)

    FAQ

    If you’re looking to care for your Aloe dorotheae, the best thing you can do is to keep it in a sunny spot with good drainage. It needs plenty of water during the growing season (April-September), but this water also needs to drain quickly to avoid overwatering.

    You can propagate Aloe dorotheae by seeds or by removing offsets (small plants that grow off the mother plant). This is best done in June when the plant is in full sun and actively growing.

    Aloe dorotheae can grow to be about 1 to 2 feet tall, but it’s very common for them to remain smaller. If you want your Aloe to grow larger, make sure it has plenty of space and isn’t crowded out by other plants.

    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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